HAWKESBURY Valley members Steve Neal and Murray Rolls were granted life membership of the club, at its awards night on Saturday.
The pair have been with the club for about 20 years, and have coached for the club and served on the committee over their time with the club.
Neal, who was also named clubman of the year for his work, said it was an honour to be given life membership.
“It was really nice that Murray and I got awarded life membership,” he said.
“The club is everything to us. Rugby is a family orientated sport and if you want to get the reward you put in for it and basically that is what anybody who is involved at Hawkesbury Valley does, you get in and do the job.”
Neal said it was also nice to know that people around the club appreciated his work.
“It is a wonderful privilege and pleasure to win something like that, to be recognised by your peers and people within the club,” he said.
“It is a tremendous thrill. It is a club I love and you do what you have to do.
“It is a 24-7 every day of the job. It doesn't stop just because the season is over. We start again and get ready for this season. If you take it on, it is nearly a full time job.”
There were a number of other awards handed out on the night.
Taylor Clarivich was given the president’s award for work on and off the field and with the committee.
Anthony Cannon was given the Chris Delaney award for the most heart shown on field.
Christine Paine gave the patron’s award to Aaron Aquilina for dedication to the game, training and helping the club.
Nathan Casandra finished the season at the top try scorer for the club.
Club president troy Mifsud said the awards night went well, and it was great to celebrate the hard work of people within the club.
He said dedication to the club from its players and members was a theme throughout the season.
“We did well on the field this year with second grade making it through to the semi-finals, although unfortunately, none of our other grades did,” he said.
“We had an influx of new players to the club, which was nice to see.
“Many of them not only contributed on the field but off it as well. They brought a lot of heart and dedication to the club.”
He said with many new players joining, he thought the future of the club looked good.
“The future of the club is very bright with new talent and the dedication of the boys and support from their families that allow them to take the time to play rugby,” he said.
