OKEHAMPTON RFC held its annual Presentation Night Dinner Dance on Saturday at the clubhouse.

The evening was to celebrate the season and reward the players for their endeavours.

There were big changes to the playing side of the club to absorb last September with the arrival of new head coach Gareth Evans. Gareth had just retired from Plymouth Albion and had previously played for London Welsh in the Premiership. As the season progressed his experience and commitment began to have an influence on the players. What was a disparate bunch of lads at the outset began to come together in a team to be respected in the league. From a poor start to the season, there were some notable wins along the way and the 1st XV ended the season in the top half of the table. The club also had the honour of representing Devon in the RFU's National Intermediate Cup competition, losing to Coney Hill in the second round.

The other changes saw Ross Medlyn take over as the director of rugby and also as a director of the club. Also new this season was captain Tom Powell, who, despite needing an operation on an injured knee which kept him out of the team for several weeks, has had a successful season. Bruce Griffiths took over as captain of the second XV, newly promoted to Devon Merit Table 1. The seconds had a tough start to the season but proved their worth to finish mid-table in the league.

The Colts also had a tough start to the season and at the outset were a little short of playing personnel. However, their situation improved under the guidance of retiring coach Phil Martin and his fellow coaches, and put in some great performances as the season progressed — narrowly missing out on a place on the Colts' League play-off final.

It is of great credit to all concerned that, despite the major changes, the club has finished the season on a high note which points to a bright future. Club chairman Robert Barkwell gave a short address about the acquisition of land at Hilltown Cross and the club's plans, subject to planning permission being granted, to provide additional playing and training facilities.

The awards, presented by club President Maxwell Turner, were introduced by the head coaches of each team and were as follows:

Colts, introduced by coach Phil Martin: Player of the year, Dan Fogerty; coaches' award, Tom Strawbridge; most improved player, Jake Shinn; performance of the season, Noah Nash and George Courtier.

Second XV, introduced by coach Rich Potter: Player of the season, Alex Slater; coaches' player, Steve Gove; most improved player, Ryan Lee.

First XV, introduced by coach Gareth Evans: Player of the year, Dean Abrams; coaches' player, Gareth Espin; young player of the year, Pat Nash; top try scorer, Rob Fishleigh; performance of the year, Paul Lawrence.

The BJ Barkwell award was presented by club chairman Robert Barkwell to captain Tom Powell for his work during the season. The Supporters Trophy was presented to Joey Bruce by hon treasurer Toby Daniel on behalf of the club supporters.

Tom Powell and Gareth Evans also presented club groundsman and 1st XV bagman Dave Stevens with an award for all his hard work during the season and bar manager Shelley Tomkin was presented with a bouquet of flowers to thank her for her work in the bar. Gareth Evans expressed thanks to all those who had supported him and who put in the huge amount of work required to run a club like Okehampton RFC.