The 2024 Juniors and Primaries season ends on a high with our family fun day and barbecue.

Last Sunday July 21 saw the club host its annual family day and award ceremony at Old Cranleighans to round off our Junior and Primaries seasons. Even though the men and women continue playing into August and even September we use the school break up to bookend the season so the youngsters can go on holiday with some nice memories and, in some cases, an award.

It was a wonderful day, particularly as the weather held and the day before our U12s had joined the likes of St Helens, Manchester United and Kansas City Chiefs in becoming back-to-back league champions. This is a considerable achievement and in the Grand Final our boys had to overcome an exceptionally physical and determined Brixton Bulls, so a quick shout out to them. They had the bruises and, finally, the prize to show for a season of commitment and application.

The family day started with our traditional tug of war. We're pleased to say that this year the rope made it through without breaking and while the author has no idea who won, he does remember that in the 1st round the U12s, fuelled by the intoxicating brew of victory, took on the Primaries with initially predictable results. This clearly offended some of the parents' sense of fairness and for the 2nd round drinks, burgers and even shirts were temporarily discarded and some rippling (ahem) dad and mum muscles were flexed on the side of the Primaries to ensure they won rounds 2 and 3!

We're glad the rope had been replaced since last season anyway......

The evening then progressed to the centrepiece of the event - the award ceremony, and for this we were joined by a very special guest - Former Eagle and Current London Broncos player James Meadows.

We're very proud of the fact that former Eagles play both codes of rugby professionally around the world and we were delighted to welcome James back to give both an inspiring speech to our youngsters and to give out the awards. Thanks James! As the saying goes, he's one of our own.

Thanks are due to all the players, parents, coaches and volunteers who make the club tick. You've all been awesome and we hope to see you back next season. We also owe thanks to Bevan and his team at OCs for organising the food, drinks and venue.

Finally, we also thank our 2024 club captain, Leon Bird. He plays, he captains, he coaches.. about seven sections of the club when he's asked to. Grassroots Rugby League relies on people like Leon. You've been outstanding.

And now (drum roll..) the bit you've all been waiting for... our 2024 season award winners.

Well done to everyone who makes it onto this season's roll call. Whatever your ambitions, whatever your grade, whatever level you play at or aspire to play at you've all been outstanding and have thoroughly earned this recognition.

Primaries Award Winners

U7 Player of the Season - Logan Crocker

U7 Most Improved Player of the Season - Elodie Moore

U7 Club Player of the Season - Alice Mortimer

U9 Player of the Season - Teddy Jensen

U9 Most Improved Player of the Season (joint winners)- Chase Smith and Finn Spalding 

U9 Club Player of the Season - Mason Marsh

U11 Player of the Season - Archie Naylor

U11 Most Improved Player of the Season - Hudson Pooley-Sweales

U11 Club Player of the Season - Eesa Dennis

Junior Boys Award Winners

U12 Blue Eagles Player of the Season - Finn Barnes

U12 Blue Eagles Most Improved Player of the Season - Hector Zayouna

U12 Blue Eagles Club Player of the Season - Maximilien Quigley

U12 Black Eagles Player of the Season - Teddy Rose

U12 Black Eagles Most Improved Player of the Season - Merlin Collins-Sibthorp

U12 Black Eagles Club Player of the Season - Henry Jensen

U14 Player of the Season - Zachary Kelly

U14 Most Improved Player of the Season - Toby Murray-Mercer

U14 Club Player of the Season - Elliot Eastwood Bell

U16 Player of the Season - Phoenix Dickinson

U16 Most Improved Player of the Season - George Bellis

U16 Club Player of the Season - Toby Davies

Women and Girls Award Winners

Women and Girls Player of the Season - Ellie Gunter

Women and Girls Most Improved Player of the Season - Gracie Spears

Women and Girls Club Player of the Season - Dita Shaw

Wheelchair Rugby League Award Winners

Wheelchair Rugby League Player of the Season - Tori Ware

Wheelchair Rugby League Most Improved Player of the Season - Lara Eastwood-Bell

Wheelchair Rugby League Club Player of the Season - Paul Ware

Head Coaches' Award 

For Performance on and off the Field (joint) - Kit Wakeman (U14 Boys Captain) and Toby Davies (U16 Boys Captain)

The Reg Pearce Award 2024

For going an extra yard to play Rugby League and help the club - Hannah Webb (U12 Girls)

Long Player Service Acknowledgment

For Players who have played for the club over several seasons spanning several age grades - Toby Davies, Alfie Glanville, Preston Ward and Daffyd Rodden

Honorary Lifetime Member 

Awarded for outstanding service to the club as a Volunteer or Player - Rob Hughes (U14 Head Coach)