Enfield Ignatians staged its annual awards ceremony with Dan Shaw (Coach’s Player of the Year) and New Zealander Wes Chase (Players’ Player) scooping the most prestigious playing awards which were unveiled at the club’s Donkey Lane clubhouse on May 30.

Head coach Gary Phillips conceded that it had been a very tough decision, but scrum-half Dan Shaw (pictured) nailed the award, having become a pivotal part of the team, which included a memorable dart down the blindside score against Barnet Elizabethans.

New Zealander Wes Chase, also proved his mettle. Having been deployed out of position at centre on occasions, he capped a memorable first season at the club by scoring a try against the league winners Hampstead on the final day of the season.

Winger Alfie Fordham snared the most improved player title, whereas Paul Duke and Calum Middleton respectively came up trumps in the Lucas Yoxall Memorial and Clubman of the Year accoladeS

The Lucas Yoxall award was particularly poignant, as it honoured the memory of a very promising player who sadly passed away in January 2024, and it was presented by the late player’s father Mark.

Three key catalysts in Ignatians’ try of the season against Tabard in October 2024, when they threw caution to the wind, having successfully run the ball from close to their own line, with scorer Ryan Loo the recipient of the team try of the season.

Sam Rushmer, a key element in the build-up, was the recipient of the best [side] step award, whereas Frazer Briers, another to have featured prominently, was honoured but in another category: by virtue of having made the tackle of the season following his try-saving, crunching effort against Barnet Elizabethans.

The individual efforts of other players were also recognised, with Ryan Loo snaring a second award, and the efforts of Tom MacDougall, Henry Sibley and Ethan Renny also recognised.