Kells are back in the Premier Division of the National Conference League after edging out Hull Dockers to win the Division One title.
So the Whitehaven club had plenty to celebrate at their annual presentation night held in the clubhouse on Saturday.
Peter Smith, who had reverted to head coach after a spell “upstairs” as director of rugby, was particularly pleased to be back in the top flight.
He said: “It was very satisfying to get promoted as champions after covid had hit the world, but we have some good youngsters coming through so the games when the lads have been away on holidays or festivals our teams strength didn’t really change.
“I am sure that will make us stronger as a squad, and with solid hard work and a different outlook we can compete strongly next year.”
The young player of the year was Harley Nelson, who has played a few National Conference games stepping up from the A team.
Brodie Rutherford is an A team player who won the most dedicated player award.
The Taj Taylor award for most dedicated trainer went to Blaine Graham, a member of the A team squad who has also had invaluable experience during the seas in Conference League rugby.
The first team coaches award went to Dave Lowery and the special award for most valued first team player went to Ross Ainley.
Grant Gainford won the coveted first team players’ player award and also received the Sponsors’ award.
Bailey Morton picked-up a double in the A team awards – players’ player and man of the matches picked by the referees,
The A team coaches picked Ryan Starkie as their player of the season.
The most improved award went to Harry Watson while Rob Hetherington was Clubman of the Year.
