HEREFORD Rugby Football Club recently held their presentation of playing awards for the 2022/23 season.

Awards were presented by the club coaches and captains to Joe Vaughan, Ollie Bullied, Tom Williams and Mark Philo.

Vaughan was awarded the cup for most improved player, after starting the season playing at outside half, he soon made the full-back position his own with a series of consistently good performances. Vaughan finished the season with 22 appearances and five tries.

Bullied received the coaches’ award for 1870s player of the year. The outstanding back five forward offered his services at out half.

He scored two tries and kicked 17 conversions in seven appearances for the 1870s as well as making nine appearances for the HRFC team.

The coaches’ award for HRFC player of the year went to Williams for his performances as an aggressive and athletic second row forward, who is equally at home on the flank. Williams made 20 appearances, notching up three tries.

The players’ player of the year award, voted on by all club players was made to centre three-quarter Philo, who scored eight tries from 16 appearances.

Philo is a loyal club member having learnt the game playing in the junior and Colts section and making his first team debut against Stoke in April 2014.

In a brief review of last season head coach, Scott Sturdy said: “2022/23 was a very successful season for Hereford Rugby Club.

“We managed to achieve many of the targets we set for ourselves at the start of the year.

“It was great to see our 1870s going into the RFU league structure, having a really successful season, just suffering one defeat and finishing as league champions.

“The HRFC team played well at times, winning 13 from 23 games and finishing fifth in the league table.

“We saw significant improvement especially in some of our away performances and consolidated a strong playing base to build on.”

Looking forward to the coming season Sturdy added: “2023/24 promises to be very exciting.

“Pre-season training has started at Wyeside with sessions throughout July and August on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to 8.15pm.

“For anyone who wants to play at any level of rugby we have on offer next year three teams.

“League rugby with the HRFC and the 1870s and our newly formed Lions which will be a social side playing on a Friday night. So, for anyone who’s interested, come along to Wyeside, we have an offer of training and playing for you.”