Saturday May 14th 2011 

The Strathallen Hotel in Edgbaston once again played host to the 2011 Bournville Club Dinner and Awards Evening. This year’s event was superbly organised by Ian Lowe, in spite of being hampered following an unfortunate cruciate knee ligament injury, the evening certainly lived up to expectations with 1st Team Captain, Tom McIntosh (pictured) being presented with the Player of the Year Award.

The club has continued to enjoy remarkable success at all levels this season and the evening gave those present a chance to reflect on those successes and look forward to the challenges of next season.

The evening kicked off in fine style with ‘Captain’ Andrew Wilson stepping in at the eleventh hour to act as Master of Ceremonies & deliver the timing of events with impeccable style & panache.

The opening award saw Dan Barratt receive his Bournville colours tie from Chairman Ian Gay with another sixteen players having them re-awarded.

The first team’s success again in the league this season meant the Player of the Year Award was a very tough decision for the committee. Tom McIntosh, who led by example both on and off the field and was outstanding in every match with his cavalier marauding style  proved a problem for the opposition all season, was presented the award after a fine season.

The Steven Rice Trophy as the season’s leading 1st team try-scorer was shared this year between Dan Barratt, Ian Coles and Alex Ward with 8 apiece.

New boy Dan Barratt was the overwhelming winner of the Steve Kennedy Memorial Trophy for Young Player of the Year. His exceptional performances when flying down the wing were instrumental in many of the first team victories this season.

Jason Allen and Wilson Wray received the 2nd and 3rd team players of the year respectively, both thoroughly deserving their honours after consistent performances all season.

On the other end of the rugby playing spectrum, Damien Kimber was awarded the Neil Suddaby Memorial Trophy as Hippo of the Year for some reminiscent performances from yesteryear.

The night’s loudest round of applause was saved for Pete Jordan whose contribution was recognised with a Special Award for 30 years of Bournville Rugby. This outstanding achievement award was presented by Ivor Boehmer, to Pete for his consistent effort to the club spanning 30 years which has involved his playing contribution, mini & juniors’ involvement & raising a phenomenal £40,000 for the club through the BRFC quiz which he has organised & run. Pete has also been awarded an Honorary Life Vice President & his contribution is greatly appreciated by everyone involved with the club.

Finally, the Harry Tempest Memorial Award for Clubman of the Year went to Gary Conroy. His work throughout the club has been so important and has contributed immensely to the success that the club has earned this year.

Bournville RFC has enjoyed another fantastic season, which has only been achieved by the tremendous efforts and hard work from a number of people, so well done to all.