London Skolars annual awards event was held in Islington on Friday evening when the squad, directors and invited guests gathered to celebrate the 2011 season.
There was a lot to celebrate, with Joe Mbu’s team having achieved five league victories during the season, a marked improvement on recent seasons.
The audience were treated to a season highlights video, which can now be seen on LondonSkolarsTV on our home page, and then it was on to the awards.
This season, to commemorate the untimely death of one of Skolars old Boys, Mike Carter, a new trophy was presented to honour Mike’s memory and acknowledge the work done by other Skolars old boys still active in helping the club. The inaugural Mike Carter trophy was awarded to Graham Oliphant for his work with the Skolars old boy network, particularly in getting some reluctant, ageing legs on to the pitch to represent the club in Masters Festivals!
Next up was the award to the Skolars ‘A’ Team player of the season, which was awarded to James Fletcher. This was presented to James by Paul Thorman and ‘A’ Team Coach Ross Antoniolli.
A new award introduced this season is for Supporter of the Season and this went to Julian Gibbs. Presenting the award to Julian Skolars player Gareth Honor explained that this was an award from the players to acknowledge how much they appreciated Julian’s efforts in following the team not only the length and breadth of the country but even to France.
Skolars Head Coach Joe Mbu then joined General manager Howard Kramer to talk the audience through the player awards. First up was the award for Best Back of the season, which went to James Anthony, in his first season with Skolars.
Best Forward of the season went to ever popular Austen Aggrey, who passed the 50 try mark during the season.
Most Improved Player was awarded to Dave Arnot and this year’s Young Player award went to Aaron Small, who Joe Mbu explained had come on leaps and bounds in his first full season.
A very popular recipient of the Players’ Player award was Dylan Skee, who in his first season with the club made 26 appearances and kicked 40 goals.
The final award of the evening, the Coach’s Player of the season, was presented to long serving Gareth Honor. Gareth has been a consistent performer for the club over many seasons and has now achieved 198 appearances in a Skolars shirt.
All in all a very enjoyable evening celebrating a great first season for Joe Mbu’s improving team. A well earned rest for everyone concerned and then it’s on to planning for 2012!
