Orange CYMS fullback Ben McAlpine rounded out another bumper Group 10 premier league season by being honoured as his club’s premier league best and fairest – again – at last weekend’s gala presentation dinner.
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McAlpine last won the top grade’s top prize in 2013, a year in which he also claimed the club’s most valuable player gong.
The former Group 10 and Group 9 player of the year was monumental at the back for the green and golds and ended as CYMS’ leading try-scorer in premier league with 14 too.
Naturally, being the side’s goal-kicker, he was the leading point-scorer as well with 196.
In fact, by Group 10’s statistics he kicked all but two of CYMS’ goals this year. Those two were slotted by centre Brock McGarity.
“Ben did have another good year, he was very deserving of that award,” CYMS president Dave Penny said.
“It was a very successful evening, and everyone who won awards was very deserving.
“It was a great way to finish off the season. I don’t like saying it’s a good or bad year, to me there’s either good or fantastic years.
“A fantastic year would’ve been winning the competition, so with a few minor premierships and the club championship this was definitely another good one.
“We just weren’t good enough on [grand final day] so congratulations to Mudgee and Bathurst Panthers.”
McAlpine also claimed the premier league players’ player award in a three-way tie with Mitch Davis – who has just signed with CYMS for another two season – and crowd favourite Larsen Marabe.
Ryan Griffin picked up the most improved award, while James Muller was given Mick Sullivan’s coach’s award.
In reserve grade Adam Stanford was named best and fairest while Sam Sweeting and Matt Morris shared players’ player, Ben Penny picked up most improved and Andrew Hopkins won the coach’s award.
Mitch Leonard was CYMS’ best and fairest in under-18s and Jack Bastick won players’ player, Lindsay Thurgate was named most improved and Jayden Fahey was given the coach’s award.
In league tag Bec Ford was best and fairest, Cheynoah Merchant won players’ player, Emily Piper was most improved and Tracee Livingstone won the coach’s award.
Charli King was presented the clubperson of the year gong.
“She does so much work in the canteen and off the field, without being asked,” Penny said.
Cam Jones picked up the much-coveted COBRA (CYMS Old Boys Recognition Award) while Stanford won The Desi, named after club legend Des Knight and presented to someone who shows passion, loyalty and commitment.
Toby Westcott was named CYMS’ most valuable player, alongside Craig Piper, and also won the junior clubperson of the year. Todd Murphy, expectedly, claimed rookie of the year honours while Simon Osborne and Jayden Fahey shared the most consistent award.
Ken Law won the Des Morrisey president’s award and the league tag team was presented the coach’s award.