Chris Vidler was named best and fairest at the West Lions presentation night on Saturday. Photo: Grant Robertson 250212GRB55
WEST Lions rolled up for one more celebration on Saturday and there was plenty to be jubilant about.
Having won the Tamworth Sevens, Wests Knockout, Group 4 minor premierships in first grade and under 18s and major premiership in first grade, it was another successful season.
At the presentation night the first grade best and fairest award went to prop Chris Vidler and the players’ player went to his front row partner Scott Rolls.
Tremayne Rankmore won most improved and Luke White took out the coach’s award.
“Vids was a popular winner of the best and fairest,” coach Tony La Chiusa said.
“He was so strong for us all season.
“He hit it up and made big yards for us.
“And with Rollsy, those two together in the front row were great.
“They feed off each other.
“Rollsy is just a workhorse who leads the hit-ups and the tackles every week.
“Tremayne is a bit of an all-rounder but he settled onto the wing.
“He did a lot of dummy half work for us and was in fine form towards the end.
“And I gave my award to Luke White because he’s always at training, he puts in and he never complains, just goes out and does his job.”
In second grade, Rod Rolls was best and fairest, Tom Flanders was picked as players’ player, Corey Ridley won most improved and the coach’s award went to Ryan O’Connell.
In the under 18s, Jamie Bell was best and fairest, players’ player went to Dylan Lake, Jesse Porter was named most improved and Andrew Johnson picked up the coach’s award.
Cohal Milgate was best and fairest in the under 16s, Ben Dooley won the players’ player award, Zach Hatch was most improved and the coach’s prize went to Jamarley Jerrard.
There were also some special presentations made.
Brian “Poppy” Tighe was club person of the year while Rod Stevenson was granted life membership of the club.
“Poppy has been with the club for a long, long time,” La Chiusa said.
“And Rod does a lot of work, especially with the indigenous kids.
“He was going for five in a row in reserve grade but he’s not just a reserve grade coach, he also fills a lot of the positions on the committee, so he was a popular choice.”
The club’s next important event is the annual general meeting, which will be held on September 22 at the West Tamworth League Club from 6pm.
Prospective new committee members are encouraged to attend.