LEIGH Miners Rangers held their awards evening and celebrated one of their best seasons for a number of years.

The only predictable award for the night - the Peter Bell Trophy for the top try scorer - was presented by Leigh Centurions' coach Paul Terzis to club captain and ex-Leigh centre Mark Sarsfield who grabbed 21 touchdowns in the season.

Rookie loose forward Tommy Goulding was chosen by the players at the first team's best performer which the coaches choice was prop forward Danny Flannery. Sponsor Welch Mill Carpets selected second rower Steve Flannery as the fans' choice.

There was no surprise to see the Don Pearson Memorial Trophy for the most improved player go to Steve Clark the young, 15-try winger who, in his first open age season, won selected for GB Under 21s.

'A' team honours went to player/coach Steve Wood and Rob Carroll, a forward pushing for promotion to the senior side.

In the Under 18s section, Dean Balmer scooped both the players' and coaches awards as man of the season. Most improved player is winger Dale Pugh while the Derek Lloyd Trophy went to Daniel Murphy.

The NUM Shield for the youth player who has performed at the highest level went to Richard Varkulis who was man of the match for Great Britain in France. Tankards were presented to Darrell Rowlands and Varkulis in recognition of GB selection and their forthcoming tour to Australia.

The Rod Raines Shield for Clubman of the Year went to Rod himself, one of the club's founders. The ex-Wigan and Keighley forward stepped into the spotlight to have his tireless efforts officially recognised.

Coaches Warren Ayres and Mark Meadows resume training at the Miners Rangers HQ on Manchester Road this week.