Phillips is top player (From Western Telegraph)

Phillips is top player

Haverfordwest RFC brought down the curtain on the 2004/5 rugby season with their annual presentation and dinner at the clubhouse, with president Brian Stephens congratulating the players on the quality of rugby played which augers well for the future.

His view was supported by chairman Gareth Griffiths and secretary Steve Jones, who praised the players at all levels for their commitment to the club's cause.

The primary award, the club player of the year found a worthy recipient in second row Gareth Phillips, who joined the Blues from Dinas Powys and was chosen for his play in his debut season.

The players' player of the year went to ebullient front rower Simon Lepetit for his total involvement, while the huge strides made in the season at fly half and centre by Marc Jones saw him rightly achieve the most improved player award.

The Second XV played 21 matches in the season and their popular choice as player of the year was back row man Brett Davies, with Chris Brock as players' player of the year and Rob Scale chosen as most improved player.

Talented youngster Danny Miners played for both senior sides and the youth during the season and was another popular choice as youth player of the year, with utility forward Terry Lovell chosen as Under 18 player of the year and winger Adam Challender deservedly selected as most improved player in the youth squad.

Mark Llewellyn, who regularly supports the players, made an extra award of a framed and autographed rugby shirt to Gareth Phillips as player of the year and added a smashing momento to the display cabinet when he handed Brian Stephens a rugby ball autographed by the Welsh Grand-Slam squad to round off the presentations.

Skipper Matthew Lewis showed his appreciation of the players by referring to the season, thanking them for their support.

Head coach John Perrin announced that Lewis would serve a second term as captain, with Gareth Phillips as his vice-captain.

He then outlined his plans for a broader-based coaching team so that players can progress through from junior rugby via the youth and second XVs to ensure a steady stream of new talent for the Blues in future years.