Ripon City Netball Club’s Falcons, Kestrels, Ospreys Eagles and Hawks, flocked together for their social highlight of the year — the annual awards.
More than 40 members from the teams, which are each named after birds of prey, gathered at Ripon Bowling Club on Saturday for a sparkling evening of prize presentations, congratulations and celebration of the 2021-2022 season.
The event was compered by the club’s head coach, Helen Mackenzie who, at Christmas, received her own accolade from former BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration when the votes of readers of the Stray Ferret saw her win the Harry’s Heroes community award.
Thandi Mahlangu, winner of the players’ player award for the Eagles, received her award from Alastair Little of Biffa.
The club, which was formed seven years ago, is based at Ripon Grammar School and has teams playing in the Harrogate, Hambleton and the North Yorkshire Ambassador leagues.
Its focus, since formation, has been on inclusivity, providing the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to join in both sporting and social activities.
Club member Jackie Laugher (left) mother of GB diving star and triple Olympic medal winner Jack, presented Helen Mackenzie with gifts on behalf of the club.
Ms Mackenzie said:
“The aim since we set off has been to create a club based on three words – participate, enjoy, succeed.
“We are inclusive, welcoming all-comers.
“This sees mothers play alongside their daughters and siblings enjoying training and playing together.”
The trophies that were presented.
The award recipients
Presentations were made by Alastair Little, Yorkshire regional general manager of waste management and recycling company Biffa, one of the club’s sponsors.
For each team, trophies were awarded to the most improved player, the coach’s selected player and the players’ player.
The award winners were:
Falcons: Steph Parker, Jo Wallace, Helen Peacock
Kestrels: Suzanne Armstrong, Jen Addyman, Alice Scurr
Ospreys: Lindsey Stockdale, Karen Ellam, Becky Ash
Eagles: Lesley Watkinson, Cat Walmsley, Thandi Mahlangu
Hawks: Rachel Cattley, Karen Dodds, Laura Cardin
Winners of other club awards were: Nicole Greenwood, Nicola Lymer, Michelle Ingham, Kirsteen Dixon, Anne Groves, Beth Beadle and Hayley Blaymires.
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