Last Saturday, Hartlepool Rovers hosted their highly anticipated annual club dinner and awards evening, marking the end of the season. With some changes to the traditional event, the evening was filled with celebrations despite a difficult season on the field. The event witnessed a fantastic turnout, with over 100 attendees, including players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters.

The evening commenced with Club President John Baker leading saying grace, followed by a touching tribute to honour the Rovers who passed away in the past year. The attendees observed 30 seconds of silence in reflection and then shared 30 seconds of applause to pay their respects.

Breaking away from the customary meal, the attendees were treated to a delectable Pakistani buffet provided by Middlesbrough's renowned Hamza's. The spread included an array of starters, mouth-watering main courses, and later in the evening a delightful cheeseboard. To round off the meal, mini Magnum ice creams and after-dinner mints were brought out to help cool some hot mouths.

Head Coach Darren Smith introduced a new initiative, the players' benevolent fund. This fund aims to provide financial support to injured players and past players who may require assistance. The introduction of this fund demonstrates the club's commitment to the well-being of its players and the strong sense of unity within the Hartlepool Rovers community.

The evening's entertainment was provided by guest speaker Lee Hogarth, who regaled the audience with humorous anecdotes from his playing days and shared his observations of Hartlepool Rovers as an "outsider." His witty remarks had everyone in stitches, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the event.

Ladies coach Dani gave an overview of the ladies season. Once again it has been difficult but there are green shoots or re growth and optimism for the season ahead.

The awards ceremony was a highlight of the evening, recognising outstanding performances and contributions throughout the season. Ian Smith presented the Heughers awards, with Mike Ellis receiving the Most Improved Player award for the second team, and Stephen Railton being named the Player of the Year for the second team.

Young player of the year went to Ellis Trimble who burst onto the scene and scored some amazing individual tries

Lee Saunders then provided a review of the first team season, acknowledging the team's resilience and determination despite a disappointing start. Ellis Trimble secured the third-place Supporter Player of the Year award, while Ste Barnfield claimed second place. The first-place Supporter Player of the Year was awarded to Alex Rochester.

Alex Rochester was celebrated as the Top Try Scorer, while Josh Healey claimed the Top Points Scorer.
James Keers stood out as the Most Improved Player of the Year, showcasing his dedication and progress.
The Players' Player of the Year award, voted by the players themselves, was presented to Craig Vincent, a testament to his exceptional contributions on and off the field.
Additionally, Craig Vincent was also recognised as the Coaches' Player of the Year, highlighting his exemplary performances throughout the season.

Captain Ste Barnfield concluded the event with a heartfelt review of the season and expressed gratitude towards the club's dedicated volunteers. Their unwavering support and commitment were acknowledged through thoughtful gifts, symbolising the club's deep appreciation for their invaluable contributions.

Hartlepool Rovers' end-of-season players' award event was a resounding success, filled with celebration and recognition. The evening showcased the club's strong community spirit, with players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters coming together to honour the achievements and contributions of the season. As the event concluded, the sense of unity and optimism prevailed, setting the stage for an exciting future for Hartlepool Rovers.

A big thank you to everyone who worked so hard in the background to make the evening a success.