DURSLEY Rugby Club celebrated the 2017-18 season with its annual awards evening and fundraising ball.

More than four hundred people attended the Summer Ball and Auction on Friday June 8, raising vital funds for the club’s development.

The Ball rounded off another successful season for the senior teams, with all three of the men’s teams making finals in their respective Stroud Combination Cups. The First XV won the Senior Cup for the fourth year in a row and many Colts players transitioned well into the senior set up, winning awards in their first year.

The senior women’s team finished fourth in the first season in the National Challenge Two Midlands South league.

The Mini and Youth Section also had another successful year, with over four hunred children and young people from age three to 18 enjoying training and playing together.

Dursley Running Club also celebrated on the night, awarding the Runner’s Runner of the Year.

The newly-reformed Stinchcombe Stragglers cricket section also had a good return to league cricket in summer 2017, being promoted in their first season and now developing youth and women’s cricket.

Club chairman Simon Bilous said: “It was good to celebrate another fantastic season, with participation numbers growing across all sports based here with the launch of rugby minnows, hosting a number of festivals and success for the cricket and running clubs.

“The evening was about celebrating everyone involved in volunteering or playing.

“We are delighted to confirm life membership to Paul Winterbottom for his many years of commitment to the rugby club and recognise former youth player Jack Reeves for his England under 18s selection this year.”

Meanwhile, Chris Perrett will captain and lead Dursley First XV’s 2018-19 campaign for promotion.

Jake Ward will retain his post as Senior Rugby Manager and former Club Captain Jack Robson is now Head Coach.

Dursley seconds will be captained by Josh Case and the thirds by Ross Reeves. Dursley Ladies captain is once again Katie Thomson.

All sections have recruited players during the season and any new players are always welcome whatever the level of experience. Training nights are Tuesday and Thursday for senior men and Wednesday for ladies. Go to www.dursleyrfc.co.uk for more information.

Award winners: Senior Men’s Awards: Emlyn Morgan Most Improved Player, Steve Raines-Gardner, First Team Player of the Year Sam Powell, Keith Harding Player’s Player of the Year Ben Cole, Mark Ackerman Second Team Player of the Year Simon Thomas, Stan Baldwin Third Team Player of the Year ‘The Colts’, Top Try Scorer Chris Perrett.

Senior Women’s Awards: Player’s Player of the Year Tracy Hunt, Senior Women Coach Player of the Year Julianne Thomson.

Running Club Award: Dursley Running Club Runners’ Runner Margaret Johnson.

Rugby Club Award Winners: J Minchin Trophy Clubman of the Year Daryl Cross; Jack Heaven Cup for services to Senior (Men’s) Rugby Jake Ward; Jack Heaven Cup for services to Junior (M&Y) Rugby Lee Barton; Mini &Youth ‘Rifina’ Cup for services to M&Y Rugby Andrew Cope; Group Award (new award to recognise contribution by a particular group) Dursley Ladies RFC