The 2023 Central North Rugby Union campaign was yet another successful one for Narrabri Rugby Club.
The Blue Boars were one of two clubs – the other being the Pirates – to feature in the finals series in all three grades this season.
Narrabri’s women’s tens team went on to claim their maiden premiership as they prevailed 26-12 against the Gunnedah Red Devils in the decider at Chillingworth Oval in Tamworth to complete a memorable double after they also claimed this year’s minor premiership.
The first grade side placed fourth on the ladder, while the second grade team finished one spot higher in third on their ladder before both went out in week one of the finals.
The Narrabri Blue Boars celebrated the 2023 season at the Tourist Hotel on Friday night, where they held their annual awards presentation event.
Eight team awards were presented on the night, which were as follows:
Women’s tens:
Amanda Fowler shield for the most improved player – Belle McClelland, Helen Cameron shield for best and fairest – Esta Kalatzis.
Second grade:
Bruce Etheridge trophy for the most improved player – Mikey O’Brien, Oz Gett memorial trophy for best and fairest – Nick Anderson.
First grade:
Nolan family shield for the most improved player – Jed Brennan, Perry Gilmour shield for best and fairest – Jack Maunder, George Sevil shield for best forward – Jack Maunder, George Sevil shield for best back – Jacob Nichols.
Seven club awards were also won at the event, which were as follows:
The Ian Hillam memorial shield for highest point-scorer went to Toni Gale with 191 points. She was also the zone’s highest point-scorer across all three grades.
The Bob Southwell memorial shield for most dedicated trainer was won by Nick Anderson.
The Jim Meppem memorial shield for representative player of the year was awarded to Esta Kalatzis.
The Richard Cameron memorial trophy for best under-21 player went to Bella Cruickshank.
The Brad Hannaford shield for the club’s best and fairest was won by Esta Kalatzis and Jack Maunder.
The Zingari trophy for the Blue Boars’ club person of the year went to the club’s president and women’s tens team co-coach Mick Coffey, who was honoured to accept it for a fourth time.
The Prendergast presidential award, which was a new award last year, went to Ben Redfern.
