Penzance & Newlyn RFC Hold Annual Dinner & Awards Evening

The marquee was full, the trophies were lined up, and one young player walked away with more silverware than anyone else in the room. Here’s how the Pirates of Penzance & Newlyn RFC closed out a season worth talking about.

The club gathered at the Mennaye Field on Saturday for their Dinner & Awards Evening, marking the end of what has been deemed a commendable season. The evening was well attended, with a three-course meal served in the marquee before the presentations got under way.

Phil Westren took on MC duties for the night, welcoming ‘One & All’ present before the awards began.

The 2nd team takes early honours

Rhodri McAtee presented the first three awards, all relating to the 2nd team. Piran Finley was named Most Improved Player, Harvey Stone took Player of the Year, and Jonny Badcock was named Players’ Player of the Year.

A long list of winners

The trophies kept coming through the evening. Andrew Snell received the John Stirling Memorial Cup for Commitment, presented by Wendy Stirling. Ben Wragg was given the Roger Pascoe Cup as Supporters’ Player of the season, presented by Kelda Snell.

Ben Martin was named Clubman of the Year, presented by Peter Whyte, Chairman of Penzance & Newlyn RFC. Peter also presented the next three awards: Rob Trezise took the Dave Berryman Cup for Volunteer of the Year, Oscar Marr received the Monckton Cup for Achievement, and Des O’Connell was given the Darren Hicks Trophy.

Ryan Forrester collected the Graham ‘Granite’ Waters Trophy for Endeavour, presented by Simon Nicholas, and Stan Somers received the President’s Cup, presented by Phil Westren.

Head coach Murray Westren and coach John Stevens then presented Ben Wragg with the award for 1st Team Top Try Scorer, with 16 to his name. Murray also spoke about the season. Murray and John went on to present Callum Walsh as Young Player of the Year, Oscar Marr as Sportsman of the Year, Harvey Stone as Most Improved Player, and Joe Best as Player of the Year. Joe rounded things off by also taking Players’ Player of the Year, presented by team captain Stan Somers.

A season to build on

For their first campaign playing at a higher level in Regional 2 Tribute Ale South West (level 6), the Pirates 1st team finished the past season in eighth place. The 2nd team had even more to celebrate, finishing as both Counties 3 Cornwall league (level 9) and cup winners.

The evening closed with musical entertainment, and it was hoped everyone would enjoy the close season break ahead of the challenges that 2026/27 will bring.

📷Joe Best (Player of the Year & Players' Player of the Year) pictured with coach John Stevens and head coach Murray Westren - Photo credit: Brian Tempest