Last Saturday Night The Isle of Wight RFC held their annual awards evening at Cowes Masonic Lodge which was well attended with many respected and disrespected members of the club in attendance. The defeat of the gallant London Irish to those nasty Leicester Tigers earlier in the evening failed to dampen the party atmosphere.

An excellent meal was served, followed by the after dinner speech. Esteemed vice-president Roger Hearn delivered the speech and drew laughter from the entertained audience, not least Wally Peters, who shrieked regularly in recognition of tales from his heyday. The end of season awards were then presented - captain Dan Taylor was MC.

The following were honoured on the night:

President’s Award: Gareth Paisley

Chairman’s Award: Neil Brading

1st XV Player of the Year: Ian Puzey

2nd XV Player of the Year: Dave Gilpin

Players’ Player of the Year: David Church

After the awards were handed out and the raffle was conducted, there was nothing left but to trip the light fantastic and boogie the night away to the Monitors, of Cowes High School fame. The ladies of the club and some of the men cut a dash to a varied selection of tunes. Highlights included the inspiring Phil Morley’s dancing and a mass bundle towards the end of the night.

Many thanks to David Church and Cowes Masonic Lodge for hosting a very successful night, and big up to the Master Organiser himself, Dean Jennings for all his hard graft to make the evening a reality.