Braden Read was the standout player of the Cobar Camels Rugby Union Club’s 2024 season with Read collecting three major awards at the club’s end of season presentations on Saturday night.
After what club president Peter Payne described as “another disappointing season” for the Camels who failed to finish the 2024 Western Plains Rugby competition, players, coaching staff, committee, supporters and sponsors gathered on Saturday night at the Ailsa Fitzsimmons Memorial clubhouse to celebrate some of the positives that did come out of the season.
Payne said after taking on the club president’s role this season, he was thrilled to have been able to recruit “the best coaching panel the club has ever had”.
Payne said he was also buoyed when the team showed plenty of promise at a pre-season gala day in Warren and then made a good start with a first round win over Gular.
He said however after losing their head coach and with players’ interest and commitment starting to wane in the second half of the season, the club was unable to finish the competition (as was the case in 2023).
He said among the positives this season was the inclusion of Read and club captain, Edward Paul, to this year’s side.
He praised both for their commitment and for playing in the “true spirit of rugby”.
Playing Breakaway this season, Read earned the season’s Best & Fairest Player award along with being named Players’ Player and the team’s Best Forward.
Paul, who played Halfback for most of the season, was the Camels’ Best Back with Second rower Sam Jeffery named the Most Consistent Player of the season.
Jordan Bruce, who had an excellent season playing in the Second Row, was named the Most Improved Player while Loosehead Prop Jack Fazulla earned the Improved and Most Needy Player title.
The Rookie of the Year award went to Winger Marley Jones.
Utility player Taito Koroi (who played both in the Forwards and Backs) collected the award for Travel and Commitment.
Paul was bestowed with the 2024 Club captain honour after he captained the team this season.
Payne said Paul worked hard to build the team and bring in new players, was committed to the game and training, and set an example for others.
Kevin ‘Rusty’ Mitchell was acknowledged with the Khaki Weed Award after he single handedly got rid of a large patch of khaki weed on the oval.
The 2024 Clubman of the Year award was shared by Dale McLeod and Alister Ewan.
Payne said both have done a lot for the club this season behind the scenes.
McLeod (with assistance from a few others) volunteered a huge amount of his time when he took on responsibility for the oval’s upkeep throughout the season.
For Ewan, the Clubman award recognises his generosity in providing a site for the club’s Return and Earn fundraiser, for assisting with player employment, for sponsorship in various ways and support on game days.
