It was standing room only on Friday night as the Skolars Juniors celebrated another memorable season. Paul Thorman compered the evening taking over from traditional host, Graeme Spencer and entertained the guests. Many thanks must go to all attendees for a very successful evening including guests, parents, players and directors. Below is a list of all the award winners.
U12s
Players Player of the Year – Josh Clarke
Most Improved – George Deller
Coaches Award – Charlie Dilworth
U12s have had a very successful season, being the first time London Skolars have entered the London Junior League at this age group, with a lot of players only picking up rugby league this year. They reached the playoffs and will be playing Hemel Stags in the Semi Finals on Saturday.
U14s
Players Player of the Year – Dillon Adabie
Most Improved – Omar Benhoura
Coaches Award – Dillon Adabie
U14s have a strong home record only losing only one game. They too have reached the London Junior League playoff finals and will play Medway Dragons in the Semi Finals this Saturday.
U16s
Players Player of the Year – Shay Osinaike
Most Improved – Luca Vettori
Coaches Award – Deshaun Elliot
The U16s had a disrupted season, losing players to injuries and also recently losing their head coach. Despite this, their commitment was outstanding and they had the strongest numbers attending training week in and week out. Unfortunately they did not place high enough in the league to get into the playoffs but they will build and improve for next season.
U18s
Players Player of the Year – Louie Sutherland
Most Improved – Shaun Palmer
Coaches Award – Gavin Dilworth
U18s had their most successful season, just missing out on finishing 2nd by one point in the last game of the season going down to top of the table winners South London Storm 29-28. They have an automatic bye to the London Youth League Semi Finals, playing away to Barking & Dagenham Bulldogs.
We should also mention we have 2 brothers in Charlie and Gavin Dilworth, winning Coaches Award’s at U12s and U18s.
Clubman of the Year – Fred Pentecost
Fred has been around the club for 2 years now with son Alex featuring in the under 14s age group. In his short time here he has displayed the character that epitomises a loyal clubman. Assisting Paul Thorman at under 14s this year, he is always the first to arrive spending time with other players, helping them improve before their session. As well as reaching his Level 2 coaching qualification and being an outstanding assistant coach, he also assists on matchdays driving minibuses, putting up pitchside barriers and helping with kit.
Special Award – Dion Chapman
This award was presented to Dion on behalf of London Skolars Juniors to commemorate his outstanding achievements in 2012. In February Dion received his first professional cap for London Skolars playing against French side Toulouse Olympique XIII. He also got selected for South East Students. From there he went on to be selected in the England Students squad impressing in training with his ability and attitude, and went on to Captain his country in the recent 4 Nations.
