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AWARDS NIGHT 2025
Malcolm Knowles1 Jun - 10:22
Who got what, from whom, for why.
The club held the annual awards night on Friday. As Pat got to his feet to start proceedings he was heard to say “This could all go terribly wrong.” He had nothing to worry about, it was a great night, very informal and relaxed. Compere/ comedian, Sam Harland, will never have an easier night’s work. Fortunately for him the room was full of comics, God bless him.
Phill Stockton kicked off the awards with presentations to the 17s and 18s. Once he grasped it was the awards for the season and not, as he repeatedly insisted on, man of the match, he coped admirably and his pride in his charges was evident to all.
Awards went to – ( now confirmed, it wasn’t Darren Boothby)
17s Forward of the season – Connor Howley
17s back of the season – Tom Swift
18s back of the season – Alexander Watson
18s forward of the season – Danny Bond
Ionians’ players to represent Yorkshire – Charlie Dawson, Fenton Martinson, Tomos Hastie.
Players player of the year – Alexander Watson
Ray Cole award – Thomas Stockton
There was also a presentation to the six players who have been with the group from 6 years old until now, being players in the 18s.
Charlie Dawson, Thomas Stockton, Tom Barkworth, Fenton Martinson, Ted Malcolmson, Ollie Brimble (absent).
Star of the night was the women’s Chair, Athina Kouris, who presented the women’s awards and gave a hilarious review of the season. Her observation that the team bonded over “a collective disregard for the tackle height laws” was priceless.
Awards went to –
Player’s player of the season – Kate Sims
Most improved player – Ripley Jones
Coaches’ player of the season – Sophie Omond
Dr Ben Raynor went from his role as women’s coach to fulfil his duties as the Ramblers main man.
He reviewed a relatively successful season, noting the Ramblers turned out a side on all but one occasion and he acknowledged the assistance the Uni. students had given in achieving this fundamental aim.
Awards were presented to -
Most improved (and best dressed on the night) player – Gerrit Theron
Rambler of the Year – Conall Arro
Next up was Dan Zgoda and the Buccs. They arguably had the best season of any team in the club. Dan highlighted the impressive wins over Billingham and Wharfedale in what was a marvellous season for the young buccs team, a season that culminated in winning the Yorkshire and North-east premiership final, defeating Sheffield 38 – 33.
The Buccs award winners were –
Young player of the season – Sam Hassard
Player’s player of the season – Jack Pinder
Player of the Year – Dan Pinder
Coach Mal Holden finished off the player awards, handing out trophies to the 1st team players. After appraising a mixed set of results, Mal made mention of the increasing integration of the senior players within the club and looked forward to greater assimilation and greater success next season. This incorporation was apparent in the 1st team awards;
Coaches’ player of the year – Mike Melhuish (There is hope for us all)
Player’s player – George Mewburn.
Club awards were then presented to those within the club who have made significant contributions to Ionians.
Dave Barraclough award – Brad Parker (rookie player of the season)
Long service award – Tim Mabbett – 50 years involvement with Ionians and Hull Ionians
Ionian of the Year – Brad “ Ginger” Willingham
President’s award – Bob Cox
Mabbs described it as being like a family and a great part of his life. Well into his sixties, Tim still dons his boots.
Brad has overcome a serious injury and forgone a promising career in sports journalism to help coach the womens team. As he continues to transition, he is expanding his intimate knowledge of the female psyche and, of course, growing his hair.
Bob Cox is a club institution and richly deserves the award. His catering is always superb and his steak pie a thing of legend.
That about wrapped things up.
We learned Callum Sanderson, Will Yates and Alan Hudson are moving on, Call. Is taking on a coaching role at Bridlington, Will is going to Leeds and Alan is possibly joining Otley, naturally we wish them all the best in their future sporting careers.
Phill Stockton kicked off the awards with presentations to the 17s and 18s. Once he grasped it was the awards for the season and not, as he repeatedly insisted on, man of the match, he coped admirably and his pride in his charges was evident to all.
Awards went to – ( now confirmed, it wasn’t Darren Boothby)
17s Forward of the season – Connor Howley
17s back of the season – Tom Swift
18s back of the season – Alexander Watson
18s forward of the season – Danny Bond
Ionians’ players to represent Yorkshire – Charlie Dawson, Fenton Martinson, Tomos Hastie.
Players player of the year – Alexander Watson
Ray Cole award – Thomas Stockton
There was also a presentation to the six players who have been with the group from 6 years old until now, being players in the 18s.
Charlie Dawson, Thomas Stockton, Tom Barkworth, Fenton Martinson, Ted Malcolmson, Ollie Brimble (absent).
Star of the night was the women’s Chair, Athina Kouris, who presented the women’s awards and gave a hilarious review of the season. Her observation that the team bonded over “a collective disregard for the tackle height laws” was priceless.
Awards went to –
Player’s player of the season – Kate Sims
Most improved player – Ripley Jones
Coaches’ player of the season – Sophie Omond
Dr Ben Raynor went from his role as women’s coach to fulfil his duties as the Ramblers main man.
He reviewed a relatively successful season, noting the Ramblers turned out a side on all but one occasion and he acknowledged the assistance the Uni. students had given in achieving this fundamental aim.
Awards were presented to -
Most improved (and best dressed on the night) player – Gerrit Theron
Rambler of the Year – Conall Arro
Next up was Dan Zgoda and the Buccs. They arguably had the best season of any team in the club. Dan highlighted the impressive wins over Billingham and Wharfedale in what was a marvellous season for the young buccs team, a season that culminated in winning the Yorkshire and North-east premiership final, defeating Sheffield 38 – 33.
The Buccs award winners were –
Young player of the season – Sam Hassard
Player’s player of the season – Jack Pinder
Player of the Year – Dan Pinder
Coach Mal Holden finished off the player awards, handing out trophies to the 1st team players. After appraising a mixed set of results, Mal made mention of the increasing integration of the senior players within the club and looked forward to greater assimilation and greater success next season. This incorporation was apparent in the 1st team awards;
Coaches’ player of the year – Mike Melhuish (There is hope for us all)
Player’s player – George Mewburn.
Club awards were then presented to those within the club who have made significant contributions to Ionians.
Dave Barraclough award – Brad Parker (rookie player of the season)
Long service award – Tim Mabbett – 50 years involvement with Ionians and Hull Ionians
Ionian of the Year – Brad “ Ginger” Willingham
President’s award – Bob Cox
Mabbs described it as being like a family and a great part of his life. Well into his sixties, Tim still dons his boots.
Brad has overcome a serious injury and forgone a promising career in sports journalism to help coach the womens team. As he continues to transition, he is expanding his intimate knowledge of the female psyche and, of course, growing his hair.
Bob Cox is a club institution and richly deserves the award. His catering is always superb and his steak pie a thing of legend.
That about wrapped things up.
We learned Callum Sanderson, Will Yates and Alan Hudson are moving on, Call. Is taking on a coaching role at Bridlington, Will is going to Leeds and Alan is possibly joining Otley, naturally we wish them all the best in their future sporting careers.
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