Shane Wadwell tries to bust the West defence in the grand final. He won both of North Tamworth’s major player awards. Photo: Grant Robertson 260812GRD095
NORTH Tamworth announced that successful second grade coach and former first grade premiership-winning player Brad McManus will coach the first grade Bears in 2013 before dishing out its awards last weekend.
He led the reserves to a grand final win on home turf and will hope the first graders can go one better and achieve the same feat next year.
The Bears crossed the river for the presentation night at the Tamworth Golf Club, with almost 100 players and supporters attending.
The main awards for first grade went to Shane Wadwell.
The lock forward won the best and fairest and players’ player awards despite missing the start of the season through suspension.
Best forward went to one of the club’s newcomers, Kiwi prop or second-rower Ky Ru Ru, while the best back award also honoured a 2012 signing in centre Andrew Moodie.
The coach’s award also went to a player having his first year in the senior ranks, teen backrower Ethan Gaffney.
In reserve grade, Luke Hull also took home a double, winning both the best forward and players’ player awards.
Best back was shared by Daniel Cunningham and Anthony Burns, with team captain Matt Walsh picking up the best and fairest gong.
The coach’s award was presented to Marc Fisher.
In the under 18s, Martyn Shaw was another awardee who took home a double, including best back and best defensive player.
Dilan Bateman won best forward, best and fairest went to Karwin Knox and Jake Cocking took home the coach’s award.
The club also gave out club awards.
Moodie was the highest try scorer in all grades, the highest point scorer was Mick Watton and the “player who gives 110 per cent consistently” went to Tim Fenwick.
Junior clubman of the year went to Shaquille Ervine and, making it a night to remember for the Ervine family, Dean Ervine, Shaquille’s dad, was awarded a “service to the club” aknowledgement.
Clubperson of the year was shared by our two hardest working committee people in secretary Lyn Slade and committee member Sue Chillingworth.
Gary Chillingworth was made a life member of the club.