THE Penarth RFC awards, presented at the Club Annual Dinner at the end of last month, reflect the strength in depth and quality of the club’s development structure, with all five nominees having graduated from the club’s age groups and eventually youth section.

Scott Mackie, who captained the club last season, was conferred the Clubman of the Year award, for his remarkable commitment to the club’s fortunes, during a season marred by injuries and absenteeism.

He played in 24 of the 27 matches, shifting between the back row and second row, depending on requirements and availability of players and scored six tries during a testing season. He was also awarded the coveted club cap, having made over 100 appearances (115) for the Seasiders since he started playing for the senior 15, having skippered the youth team as well.

The award for the Most Improved Player went to 24-year-old outside half Nathan Smith, who joined the club’s under-8s 16 years ago, with 21-year old former youth hooker Mason Good as runner-up.

Good who played in 25 matches and his fellow front row parent Alan Doyle, who made 23 club appearances in his first senior year, displayed tremendous maturity and commitment during the season.

The prestigious James Lot Thorn shield for the Player of the Year was jointly awarded to Tom Luck and Alex Thau, the second time in the history of the 49-year old trophy that it was presented to two players.

The trophy, presented to the club by the former secretary and president, James Lot Thorn, a legendary name in Welsh rugby, made his maiden appearance at the end of the 1967/68 season, when it was presented to club captain Alun Jones. Then 20 years ago, at the end of the 1995/96 season, it was presented to the duo Neil Baxter and Dai Williams.

Alexander Thau who played 22 matches at number eight and wing forward this season was also the club’s top try scorer with eight tries, while Luck, who made 23 appearances at either centre or wing threequarters, is the new club skipper, having already captained the youth team for two seasons.

Interestingly, Luck, Thau, Smith, Jerome Bryan, James Candy and scrum half Gareth Mathias, side-lined with a nagging injury for most of the season, have been playing together for 15 years. The other player to be honoured on the evening, was scrum half come fullback Rhys Morgan, who also reached the 100 cap milestone and was awarded the ceremonial club cap.

Meanwhile Penarth seniors have commenced training last week with head coach Matt Bolton and new backs coach John Colderley in charge. Colderley, a former centre born in Dinas Powys, 41 years ago, has had a long and rewarding playing career, which started with Cardiff Youth and ended with Pontypridd in 2002, and included representative appearances for Wales Under-21, Welsh students and Wales sevens.

“I am delighted that John has decided to join Penarth and the enthusiasm of the players during the first training session last week was obvious. He is a very experienced coach and together with head coach Matt Bolton will be able to help our young players fulfil their potential,” Penarth RFC chairman Mike Gooding said.