Celebrating Excellence: Cornish Pirates Honour Their Stars in Post-Match Awards Ceremony

In a heartwarming post-match ceremony filled with accolades and notable achievements, the Cornish Pirates celebrated various members of their team following their clash with Coventry at the Mennaye Field.

The event, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd in front of the Truro & Penwith College grandstand, underscored a season of significant accomplishments and personal milestones.

A Parade of Honours

The ceremony began with an expression of gratitude by PA announcer Phil Westren, thanking everyone involved in supporting the team throughout the season. Special mention was made of the youth and amateur teams linked with the Pirates, highlighting their contributions to rugby in the region.

The “Man of the Match” accolade was proudly awarded to young hooker Harry Hocking, whose impressive performance this season included scoring three tries in just four league appearances.

Milestone and Memorial Trophies

Robin Wedlake was honoured with a “100 Games Merit Tie,” celebrating his enduring presence and outstanding performances on the field, including many memorable tries.

The “Edwin Bryant Trophy,” crafted in memory of the respected Edwin Bryant and presented by his widow Carole, was awarded to Joe Elderkin. Joe, known for his reliability and consistent play, was recognised as a steadfast and often unsung hero of the team.

Volunteer Appreciation and Memorial Recognition

In a touching moment of the evening, the “Dave Berryman Cup” for “Volunteer of the Year” was shared posthumously between Mike Richards, a lifelong supporter and club volunteer who passed away during the season, and Mike Uren, another dedicated volunteer whose father played in the Pirates’ inaugural match.

Celebrating Support and Skill

Photo Credit: Brian Tempest – Voted as the Supporters ‘Player of the Season’, Matt McNab receives the Roger Pascoe Cup from Rebecca Thomas.

Matt McNab received the “Roger Pascoe Cup,” voted for by supporters as the “Player of the Season.” Matt’s stellar performance this season included 13 tries over 25 appearances, demonstrating his prowess on the field.

The “John Stirling Memorial Cup for Commitment” was awarded to Alex Everett, a forward known for his tenacity and respected presence within the team, who has played 49 games over two seasons.

Special Presentations

Photo Credit: Brian Tempest – Tim Cowley presents the Player of the Year trophy to Lefty Zigiriadis.

The “Player of the Year” award was presented by former player Tim Cowley to Lefty Zigiriadis, a key figure in the Pirates’ pack, celebrated for his continuous contribution and popularity among his teammates.

In a unique turn, the “Clubman of the Year” was awarded to Kelda Snell, a devoted supporter of the Pirates, unable to attend due to commitments at Paul Cricket Club. Kelda’s aunt, Wendy Stirling, accepted the award on her behalf, highlighting Kelda’s tireless work off the field.

A Dual Triumph

Photo Credit: Brian Tempest – Terry Drew presents the President’s Cup to Gavin Cattle & Alan Paver.

The ceremony concluded with the “President’s Cup,” awarded by Penzance & Newlyn RFC’s President, Terry Drew, to Gavin Cattle & Alan Paver. Both former players and current coaches, their ongoing contributions to the team have been instrumental in navigating the challenges of player turnover and maintaining high performance standards.

A Season to Remember

As the Cornish Pirates prepare for their final game of the season against London Scottish, they hope to secure second place in the Championship, a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the year. This awards ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also reflected the collective spirit and ambition of a team looking to the future with optimism.