Blackpool RUFC Juniors celebrated their fourth annual presentation evening on Saturday at the Blackpool Rugby Tavern.

Over 30 awards were presented and every registered player received a medal in recognition of their dedication to the club this season. The awards were divided into the age groups who have competed this season. These included the tag group who remain unbeaten, the Under 11s/12s, Under 14s, Under 15s, Under 16s and the Ladies' section who have played their first full season this year.

Club president George Bagot and senior chairman John Boardman presented the awards to the junior players.

The first awards were presented to the players who have represented Lancashire this year. Grant Blackshaw and Ben Holland of the Under 16s squad faced a tough selection process to represent Lancashire A's for the third consecutive year and were awarded for their efforts.

The award for Best Attended recognised the players who had attended all training sessions this season and committed a vast amount of time to the junior section. Hannah Walsh of the ladies' group, Lydia Black (tag group), Sam Whiston (Under 11s/12s), Craig Hodgson (Under 14s), Andy O'Brien (Under 15s) and Tomas Sanderson (Under 16s) were presented with the Best Attended award.

Frank Sharratt, Joe Sharratt and William Hunt each received the most improved player award for the tag group. The Most Improved Forward Award was presented to Hannah Willman of the Ladies' section, Harry Swann for the Under 11s/12s, Peter Lunt of the Under 14s, James Evans of the Under 15s and William Richardson of the Under 16s.

The Most Improved Back was awarded to Daniel Bradford (Under 11s/12s), Robert Kenny (Under 14s), Chris Naylor (Under 15s) and Jamie Salter of the Under 16s.

The Try of the Season was in recognition of individuals' who have scored spectacular tries this year. Harvey Black of the tag group, Edward Swann of the Under 11s/12s, John Robinson of the Under 14s, Dave Heeley of the Under 15s and Gary Lunt of the Under 16s received the awards.

Two other awards were also introduced this year to highlight individuals who have shown great potential in the 2006/2007 season. Ross Mellor-Clark was presented with the Clubs' Leading Try Scorer. Ross, of the Under 16s squad had scored over twenty tries for the club this season. The Exemplary Conduct award was presented to Jake Quinn of the Under 15s. Jake has committed himself to training, matches and social events and his whole attitude has been a credit to the club.

Blackpool RUFC Juniors' coaching staff nominated individual players from their age groups for the Player of the Season award. Laura Gleeson (Ladies'), Cameron Thorpe (Tag), Antony O'Brien (Under 11s/12s) Luke Crossbie (Under 14s) Jake Quinn (Under 15s) and Grant Blackshaw (Under 16s) were all nominated by their relevant coaches. The overall Player of the Season award was presented to Grant Blackshaw of the Under 16s. This season, Grant has played in every game for the Under 16s. He has helped coach and referee the younger age groups and also joined the Blackpool RUFC Juniors' committee.

Sarah Whiston, social/press secretary for Blackpool RUFC Juniors said: "The night was a great success and it was fantastic to recognise the hard work of all of our junior players and volunteers. I would like to thank all involved with the club for another successful season."

The junior section are also celebrating as they have been nominated for the prestigious Junior Club of the Year' award. They face tough competition from clubs from throughout the North West but are extremely hopeful. The presentation for the Junior Club of the Year' will take place on Friday June 1 at Lancashire RFU's annual awards dinner to be held in Preston.