After a tough old term that nearly went down to the wire, the Albion players are now enjoying a well-deserved rest before their return for pre-season next month.
In the absence of an official end of season event, the awards are being acknowledged online and it is the express intention of the club to reignite an end of season event for the 22/23 season.
Roger Harris Trophy for top points scorer
Tom Putt
The metronome really came into his own as the season wore on making the 10 shirt his own and ensuring five points fast became seven with his accuracy from the tee.
Coaches player of the year
Tom Putt
Highly commended Dan Pullinger, Torin Clarke
In the hotly contested fly half position, Tom rose to the challenges of the season and remained something of an iron man during the backline injury crisis. Playing with a number eight on in the centre, debutant at scrum half and flanker on the wing at one point, he steered the side to through some difficult waters and was a standout for the coaches.
Highly commended were Dan Pullinger for his sterling performances on the tighthead (twice winning player of the month) and Torin Clarke who stepped up to the national league with aplomb getting better and better with each game.
Inspiring player
Phil Jones
Arriving with international pedigree, the Welshman was just beginning to find his feet as an injury ended his season prematurely. Having been a standard bearer on the field, Phil took it upon himself to continue to lead from the slips and has duly been acknowledged as a real star amongst the squad
Clubman of the year
James McFarlane
From the 20kg weight loss in preseason, to being the sole body on the bench to performing admirably on the field, ‘Spud’ has been the beating heart of the team when the going got tough and he established behaviours that the squad have acknowledged and adopted – huge congratulations to TKP!!
Try of the season
Alex Ducker v Blackheath
With 20 to chose from, the ‘Prince of Plymouth” has scored some miraculous five pointers to keep Albion in the fight over the season but the selection panel decided his mazy run in the capital was the best of the bunch
Players Payer of the season
1 – Herbie Stupple
2 – Tom Putt
3 – Phil Jones
Cornishman Stupple, in his testimonial season, was the outstanding candidate from his peers for the most revered of awards. Fronting up is what he does, and he was required to dig deeper than ever before this term. Starring in the backrow, he also spent 5 games at inside centre and never failed to give his all for the cause. A true Albion legend, Herbie has been a tower of strength in every game this term with his trademark bullocking runs and sledgehammer tackling never failing to inspire all around him.
Albion Award
Dickie Bays, Grant Van Schalkwyk, David Cunningham
The award for someone who goes above and beyond in service of the club is shared by three outstanding individuals who have really stood up during a testing time at Plymouth Albion
Dickie has been a superstar behind the scenes volunteering his time at least two days a week to deal with a full range of tasks around the brickfields site without fail, his positive demeanour has shone through during the toughest of times
Grant joined the club this season as the club pastor and has been a true beacon for many members of the newly assembled squad providing confidential counsel and advice during a particularly gruelling season
Lifelong Albion fan David offered some ‘help with photography’ at the beginning of the season and went on to produce some stunning images that saw him nominated for the Keith Prowse Rugby photographer of the year
Well done to all the players and thanks to everyone who supported us on and off the field this season.
