Awards night marks Roughyeds’ final salute to Naylor and Carey

PLAYERS, fans and club officials came together in the Vestacare Social Club to celebrate Oldham Rugby League Club’s promotion season of 2019.

The event was organised by Anne Kearns, a member of the club’s volunteer management committee, whose closing remarks included an emotional send-off to departing coach Scott Naylor and his number two, Peter Carey.

Referring to the promotion-clinching run of 11 wins from the last 12 games, Anne said: “It was a wonderful end to the year.

“Scott had belief in the players. He coached, pushed, nurtured and cared for the whole squad and boy oh boy, did it pay off.”

There followed a standing ovation to the squad and to Scott and Peter, who are leaving after long associations; Scott after seven seasons, Peter after four.

Added Anne: “We cannot thank Scott and Peter enough. We wish them both good luck for the future.”

Full-back Ritchie Hawkyard, who is leaving to stay in Betfred League 1 with his former club Keighley Cougars, picked up two individual awards.

He was named top gun by Scott Naylor, an award sponsored by the Heritage Trust, and also by his fellow players, an award sponsored by the Past Players.

ORSA. the supporters association, sponsored the fans’ award, won for the second year in a row by tackling-machine Liam Bent.

Chris Williams, a masseur in the match-day backroom team, was named Clubman of the Year, while 71-year-old Peter Gray, the club’s official video operator, was ‘Unsung Hero.’