By Dan Piper
NEWQUAY Hornets RFC hosted a memorable double-bill celebration on May 3 and 4, honouring the dedication, development, and triumphs of their players, volunteers, and community during the 2024/25 season.
Held at the club’s grounds, the presentation evenings brought together over 300 players, family members, and club supporters to recognise outstanding individual and team performances across all junior age groups.
Club chairperson, Mark Headland opened the youth evening with heartfelt words reflecting on a season of progress and unity. A minute's silence was held in remembrance of past Hornets, and a special message from club president Chris Davies was shared, celebrating the successes of all age groups.
The Mini Juniors award winners were as follows: Most Improved Players: Jenson Kirby (U6), George Gorman (U7), Otis Geach (U8), Henry Granata (U9), Harrison Hill (U10), Jack Steel (U11), Oscar Howard (U12), young talents were praised for their growth and commitment.
Players of the Year: William Parker (U6), Teddy Taukei (U7), Henry Isaac-Holland (U8), Elijah Taukei (U9), Reggie Johns (U10) ,Travis Whitham (U11), and Oscar Wrigley (U12) earned the top honours; Players’ Player Awards went to standout teammates such as Elouise Kearton (U6), Aden Payne (U7), Charlie King (U8), Harry Hedden (U9), Sonny Jinks (U10), Reggie McDonnell Goad (U11), and Monty Harrison (U12); Manager Awards acknowledged team spirit and contribution, with recipients including Charlie Smith (U6), Henry Bunt (U7), Boo Woodward (U8), Sebastian Allen (U9), Marcy Bushell (U10), Sam Gynn (U11) and Oscar Cook (U12).
The juniors (U13-16) were up next with awards handed to: Most Improved: JB Brentnall (U13), Bodhi Drysdale-Wood (U14), Alex Beckett (U15), and Aaron Mills (U16); Player of the Year: Logan Clews (U13), Josh Lutey (U14), Finnigan Millson-Hill (U15), and James Elkins (U16) were commended for performance and leadership; Players’ Players: Honoured for peer respect were JJ Flannigan (U13), Noah Yarwood (U14), Freddie Vincent & Tommy Drysdale (U15), and Oli Goodwin (U16); Managers’ Awards: Key contributors such as Reuben StVall Young (U13), Oscar Waters (U14), Finley Harrison (U15) and Kaden Mugford (U16).
A moving moment came with the presentation of the Carl Lampett Under 15 Player of the Year Award and the Dominic Swanson U16 Player of the Year Award, named in memory of cherished former Hornets.
This year’s recipients, Finnigan Millson-Hill (U15) and Rhys Old (U16), were recognised for exemplifying Carl and Dominic’s passion and dedication.
Special Club Awards went to the following: Mini Consistency Award: Alfie Cullen (U12); Mini Clubman Award: Josh Springett (U12); Junior Consistency Award: Rhys Old (U16); Junior Clubman Award: Louis Pearn (U16); Outstanding Achievement Award: Entire Under 16s squad, for their unity, county victories, and embodiment of club values.
Volunteer and contributions were also recognised as follows: Endeavour Award: Rachel Harvey, for tireless behind-the-scenes dedication to the fixtures role; Commitment to Girls Rugby: Rachel Millson-Hill, for her leadership in growing the U12 girls section; Outstanding Dedication to Youth Rugby: Dan Pearn, applauded for a decade of transformative coaching in his age group; CRFU and Honda Unsung Hero: Jonathan, for facility support and dedication to club development; Chairman's Award: Robin Elford, for his unwavering support across age groups and leadership on and off the pitch.
The club also thanked key volunteers including Kate Teagle, Ally Healey, Paul Beckett, Pip Piper, Mon Elford, Laura Cullan, and Ben Arthur – whose behind-the-scenes support made the season and celebration possible.
The evening closed with cheers, camaraderie, and a toast to the Hornets' legacy.