FORMER England scrum half Shaun Perry was the guest speaker when Shottery Rugby Club hosted a highly enjoyable awards and dinner evening at Pearcecroft last Friday.
Before the evening’s entertainment got underway, Shottery chairman Kev Costigan was presented with their new strip for the upcoming 30th anniversary season by core sponsor Pete Nottingham of Stratford Audi.
An excellent three-course meal was followed by the longest resignation speech in the club’s history by outgoing captain Andy Bilbrough, who focused on some of the key moments from the season.
The extremely eloquent and entertaining keynote talk was given by Perry, who started and ended his playing career in the Midlands.
Perry, who won 14 caps for England at scrum half and also starred for Worcester Warriors in the Premiership, was happy to share some of his experiences and gave an insight into what it takes to play at the highest level.
The following awards were presented during the course of the evening: Players’ Player – Pete Kent; Young Player – Andy Evans; Clubman – Nick Eardley; Captain’s Choice – Matt Aston; Top Try Scorer – Pete Wharton; Most Improved Player – Pawel Haas.
A number of special awards were also made to recognise the over 50s in the team including George Fisher, Neil Povey, Stu Watson and John Matthews.
The final award went to Argentinian Leandro Ghezzi to recognise his efforts and enthusiasm in his first ever season playing rugby.
Players’ Player of the Season Pete Kent, captain Andy Bilbrough and chairman Kev Costigan. (s)
Chairman Kev Costigan (left) and Adam Bearley of Stratford Audi (right) listen to guest speaker Shaun Perry. (s)
