Harlow Rugby Club Sponsors’ Dinner

Harlow rugby club held a very successful Sponsors’ Dinner at the clubhouse last Saturday.  This annual event is an important point in the club calendar which provides an opportunity for those from local businesses that support Harlow rugby club to meet the players who benefit from this support.  It is also an opportunity to present a number of major awards to members of the club.  Members enjoyed a four course meal and were then entertained by Mike Conyers of Brentwood Rugby Club who is well known in the local rugby community for his dry sense of humor as an after dinner speaker.  The club was fortunate to have Tony Underwood the former England and British Lions player as a special guest. Tony presented the award four members in recognition of their services to the club.

The Spooner award, named in memory of Ken Spooner, is awarded for exceptional service to youth rugby in the club.  This year it was awarded to Andy Bradnum the chair of the youth rugby section.  Andy has been involved with the junior aspects of the club for many years and a large proportion of the success in this area traces back to his work.

The Hurley award, named in memory of the late John Hurley, is awarded for exceptional service to the club with particular emphasis on the playing aspects.  This was awarded to Kelly Cotterill, Captain of Harlow ladies XV, in recognition of the many years in which she has worked with the ladies section of the club, of her own  achievements as a player both at Harlow and for Eastern Region and in particular in recognition of her leading the squad to win their league achieve promotion last season.

The President’s award goes to a member who in the view of the club president has made exceptional contribution to the club.  This year club President Chris Locke chose Ken Potter as the recipient.  Ken has been involved with the club for a number of years serving as a manager in the youth section, a member of the Spooner fund Sub-Committee and in particular as the club Membership Secretary.  Chris paid tribute not only to his contribution in his official capacities but to the fact that he is one of the small band of volunteers who are always available when help is needed.

The club also presented a special award to Paul Eynon in recognition of his contribution to the club over many years.  Paul has played over 250 games for the first XV, served two terms as club captain and in particular stepping back into that post at the most difficult time at the start of last season and steering the club through one of the toughest it has you ever faced.  In addition to this he also served for five years and the club executive and has for very many years acted as joint club webmaster.