Wisbech Rugby Club welcomed almost 200 guests and players – including RFU Championship star Darryl Veenendaal - as they celebrated their achievements during the 2016/17 season at their annual awards evening.

Wisbech Standard: Darryl Veenendaal presenting a junior playerDarryl Veenendaal presenting a junior player (Image: Archant)

The club’s first team had a solid Eastern Counties Divison One campaign - narrowly missing out on the play-offs after finishing third - while several stars from the club’s youth set-up were rewarded for their excellent performances with promotion to the first team.

Veenendaal was on hand to distribute awards across six categories, including the Wildcats and first team, who return to pre-season action next week.

New players – whether experienced or newcomers – are welcomed to the club’s training sessions, which take place 7pm on Wednesday July 6.

Leonard Veenedaal’s men are to warm up for their new Eastern Counties campaign with pre-season friendlies against Cantabrigian RFC (home, August 20) and West Norfolk (away, September 3).

For more information, email wisbechrugby@outlook.com.

Award winners:

Club awards:

Clubman of the Year: Leonard Veenendaal

Chairman’s Cup: Chris & Luke Hare

Young Player of the Year: William Boreham

Long Playing Service Award: Peter Lankfer

1st XV:

WRUFC Player of the Year: Samuel Anderson

Players’ Player of the Year: Solomon Prestidge

Most Improved Player: Skippy Parsons

Wildcats:

WRUFC Player of the Year: Harry Lott

Players’ Player of the Year: David Brodie

Most Improved Player: Jeff Wilson

U15:

WRUFC Player of the Year: Finlay Wilcox & Alex Baker

Players’ Player of the Year: Cameron Finlay

U14:

WRUFC Player of the Year: Ben and Tom Goude

Players’ Player of the Year: Zak Lakey

Most Improved Player: Ari Baghdouyan

U13:

WRUFC Player of the Year: Harry Holmes

Players’ Player of the Year: Harvey Brown

Most Improved Player: Bailey Raven