THE end of Braintree Rugby Club's season was marked with the awards ceremonies of all sections from the Bumbles - aged from four to six years - through to senior players.

Chairman Barrie Winwood said: "The club has had a good year overall, with the first XV finishing third in London Three Essex and the seconds finishing second in Eastern Counties Two South earning promotion into Eastern Counties One, which is the same level that the firsts were playing at three seasons ago.

"Some of the first XV losses were close calls and they were very near to reaching the play-offs.

"They could well end up topping the league next season.

"Nine Academy players played first XV and second XV rugby on a regular basis and next season should be interesting with this year’s Under-16s, who won the Essex League One, joining the Academy.

"That should pave the way for a resurgence of the third team, which we have not had enough players to field for the past four to five years.

"Our ladies' and girls’ teams have been gradually building up their numbers as well and with great attendance at last week's Inner Warrior session aimed at recruiting more players, we hope to see them them playing 15-a-side on a regular basis next season.

"There is a great buzz about the club, with lots of young players coming through and new players joining.

"We always welcome players of all abilities and experience to both our senior, ladies and junior sections, including girls.

"Senior training begins on July 2 and the Juniors Open Training Day is Sunday, September 8.

"The future is looking very bright.”

YOUTH AND MINI AWARDS 2019

Bumbles - Player of the Year - Thomas Martindale, most Improved - Thomas Barker; Under-7s - Player of the Year - Thomas Hull, most Improved - Taylor Hore; Under-8s - Player of the Year - George Thomason, most Improved - Matthew Trevelion; Under-9s - Player of the Year - Jacob Freeman, most Improved - Cayden Moore; Under-10s - Player of the Year - Alistair Mizon, most Improved - Cameron Blanche; Under-11s - Player of the Year - Harry Wakeling, most Improved - Luca Holland; Under-12s -Player of the Year - Noah Collar, most Improved - Jayden Bennett. All under 12’s were presented with their club ties in preparation for youth rugby next season; Under-13s - Player of the Year - Ben Shadbolt, most Improved - Oscar Voke; Under-14s - Player of the Year - Kaelin Dunne, most Improved - James Crick; Under-15s - Player of the Year - Nathan Brandith-Bossert, most Improved - Craig Wright; Under-16s - Player of the Year - Josh Devoti, most Improved - Fin Gorman; Fillies - Player of the Year - Lily Brand, most Improved - Lauryn Hill; Academy - Player of the Year - William Buckle, most Improved - Matthew Cairns.

Loyalty Award (for players with the club from Under-7s through to Under-17s: Benjamin Cakebread, Elliot Jones, Thomas Kelly, Freddie Moss-Prout.

Special Awards: Brooks Award 2019 - Mark Irving; Wakeling Award 2019 - Stacy Colebrook; Services to Youth Rugby: Lee Buckle, Don Kempster, Nick Ellis, Chris Wells

SENIOR AWARDS 2019

1st XV Player of the Year - Jeremy Stanhope; 2nd XV Player of the Year - Elliott Swallow; Most improved Player - William Humphreys; Ladies' Player of the Year - Nicole Redgwell; Ladies' Most Improved Player - Fay Ingram; Special Awards: Clubman of the Year - Ladies/Girls Rugby Coaching Team; Outstanding Services - Steve Tame.