BRIDPORT Rugby Club held their first annual player awards dinner since 2019 in the Brewery Ground clubhouse.

Former skipper Daragh McLoughlin was named player of the year, while Jed Gravelle was awarded the players’ player of the year trophy.

Jordan Neil came away with the young player of the year award.

Philip Frampton, from Framptons of Bridport, sponsored the player awards presented the winners with their trophies

After over 600 games with the club, Brett Chant finally retired but left his legacy with the ‘Brett Chant Supporters’ Player of the Year’ trophy which he presented to Nathan Herbert.

READ MORE: Looking back on Brett Chant's career

Other presentations were made to Corben Newman as the ‘most improved player of the year’ and with special thanks to Melissa Brown for her unwavering support at both home and away matches and to physio Hannah Leins for her excellent care and attention in keeping the first XV fit and ready to play.

In presenting junior chairman Noel Gregory with ‘clubman of the year’ award, chairman Julian Hussey praised his drive and enthusiasm in running the junior section.

He singled out Noel’s determination in ensuring the financing of the recent visit of the French juniors from Lege Cap-Feret was a complete success.

In all, 50 people including players, members, wives and sponsors attended and were treated to an excellent three-course meal with cheese and biscuits with the award presentations taking place between each course. The evening concluded with a disco.

President Peter Brook warmly thanked first XV coach Ayo Fraser and all the players and committee members for their efforts this season ensuring that Bridport Rugby Club was a true community club, something which he had every confidence would continue into next season.

Hussey thanked sponsors Phil Frampton and John Dalton of Tropical Decorators for their support and presented each of them with a club tie.