A fantastic season for Plymouth Albion saw us finish fifth in the 2022-23 campaign – a remarkable improvement on last year.
We enjoyed some spectacular moments at the Brickfields and away from home, and it was a rewarding season for the fans and players, all of whom have been amazing in their support from the stands and their work on the pitch.
That’s not all. A special mention, as always, goes out to the ball kids, the stewards, the safety officers, the ticket staff, the bar staff, and the food and drink vendors who do such a good job of making sure your trip to home games is as nice and relaxing as possible.
On Friday night, we came together to celebrate a fantastic season and reflect on the achievements of this amazing squad of brilliant players.
Several players and the physio staff were up for awards as we looked back on a campaign that puts an extremely positive light on the future for the club.
TRY OF THE YEAR:
A phenomenal play spanning 10 phases against Birmingham Moseley won the try of the year award, with George Mills finishing off the move.
INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Navy man Seta Raumakita’s attitude, tenacity and at times, brutality on the pitch is phenomenal to watch, but the man himself is quite a contrast.
Friendly, warm and humble off the pitch, Seta has been a fine example of how a rugby player should conduct themselves, and his qualities are reflecting onto the young players coming through the ranks.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER:
A step up in team performances this season was facilitated by an improvement in the players, and Torin Clarke has stood out in that regard.
Already an outstanding player coming into this season, Torin found another level again as we climbed up the table this campaign and hit the league’s top five. He featured in all 26 of our league games this season, proving his longevity, commitment to the cause, and the quality he possesses within Ryan Lamb’s side.
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR:
Dan Pullinger loves this club with a burning passion. Having been at the Brickfields for the better part of a decade, Pully knows Albion inside and out. While always giving his best on the pitch, he has more than played his part off it too, taking on a key role in getting Albion involved in the community.
From engaging with young fans to promoting everything good about rugby at a community level, Pully has been a fantastic man to have around the Brickfields.
PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Jack Oulton’s signing last summer was perhaps one of our best in recent memory, with the scrum half excelling in 2022-23.
He scored nine tries last campaign, and played an integral role in the rise up the league table with his consistency, accuracy, athleticism and phenomenal attitude. Jack has fit in like a hand in a glove since his arrival, and we’re looking forward to watching him next year too.
CAPTAIN’S PLAYER OF THE SEASON:
Harry Wilkinson has been incredible to watch over the last couple of years of being with us, and captain Herbie Stupple has named him his player of the season.
Harry has always worked with a tremendous attitude and a fire in his belly on the pitch, but just like the rest of the squad, he is a lovely person away from the field. 10 tries in 2022-23 make him one of the standout players from an outstanding season.
COACHES’ PLAYER OF THE SEASON:
Jack has earned praise from just about everybody connected with Plymouth Albion since last year, and coaches Ryan Lamb and Aaron Jarvis are no exception.
They have picked up on the seismic difference Jack has been, and they have named him as their player of the season.
ALBION AWARD:
The physio team work under extreme pressure both home and away, and they keep the lads ticking over physically during the long season. From patch-ups during the games, to adjustments during training, to recovery in between, Rebecca Earp and Lauren Miller have been exemplary this season, and they were presented with the Albion award in recognition of their fine efforts.
There were further awards given out to our fantastic youth section, with Aaron Buck, Finn Drake, Rocco Knox, Sam Bishop and Ellis Foale all picking up awards for their superb efforts last campaign.
Albi Travel and the 200 Club were recognised for their incredible efforts, not just last season, but over many years of tremendous dedicated service to the club.
And finally, Ali Hannaford, who has tirelessly given her all for Albion for nearly a decade, was recognised as a phenomenal long-term serveant of Plymouth Albion.
