Widnes Vikings held our End of Season Awards Dinner on Thursday evening, with four awards handed out.
Unfortunately, live coverage of the event was not possible due to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – with a silence held in remembrance at the start of the event.
Players, their partners and sponsors came together in the Bridge Suite at the DCBL Stadium.
Vikings GM Steve Roberts kick-started the evening by interviewing CEO Phil Finney and head coach John Kear.
They talked about the season just gone and also looked ahead to the 2023 campaign.
The first award of the night was the Chairman’s Award, presented by Chris Price to Sara Jones, for her services to the club. Sara volunteers in a range of areas, including supporting LDSL player Ian Toole at kit launches and community events.
Adam Lawton scooped the Try of the Season award, as voted for by the fans, for his effort away at York City Knights. He said: “We were down by a try. I just hoped for the best! Kicked it and followed it through and it just ended up bouncing up for me. I love it here. I love the club. It’s where I want to be. It’s where I feel I play my best rugby.”
Liam Bent was crowned Fans’ Player of the Year after polling nearly half of the vote.
He said: “I’m overwhelmed to be honest, I’m buzzing. I’m very grateful. A lot of lads could have got it really, everyone mucked in. The amount of support we get, the fans are awesome, they’re so loyal and passionate, and that helps drive us as players.”
The final player award went to Owen Farnworth, who was named Players’ Player of the Year.
Farnworth said: “It’s a big honour for me to get that off the boys. I feel honoured wearing the number eight shirt. For me, Liam Walsh has been a big part of my career and everything else, and obviously what happened last year he’s been a big drive for me this year.”
End of Season Dinner 2022 award winners:
Try of the Season: Adam Lawton (v York City Knights (A), sponsored by Electrod UK
Fans’ Player of the Year: Liam Bent, sponsored by Arnold Gorse Financial Management
Players’ Player of the Year: Owen Farnworth, sponsored by MTC Couriers
Chairman’s Award: Sara Jones
Widnes Vikings would like to thank all fans, volunteers, player sponsors and staff for their efforts this season.
