Webber wins top gong as Waratahs presentation night hits the mark

The 2015/16 season was signed off with a bang by the Waratahs last night as we celebrated the season that was.

Click here to view all the photo’s from the evening.

Over 190 people crammed into the Novotel Manly Pacific, a record presentation night attendance, to congratulate the award winners and catch up with friendly faces in what was an amazing night.

Expertly MC’d by committee member Mick Trevaskis, all of the speakers were engaging, passionate and sharp. Even 16 year old Jack Edwards spoke with great poise as he cleaned up the on-field awards with the Spartan Sports Players Player award and the 3rd grade batting and bowling awards.

Sam Webber deservedly walked away with the Keith Marks Clubman of the Year for his outstanding contribution to the Waratahs digital stream throughout the year. Sam was completely shocked to win the award, amazing considering he was the one that put the slide deck together for the night. Very sneaky. It was great to see Sam win the award in-front of his parents James and Jane who were both very proud.

Aidan Baker won the inaugural George Lowe Medal for the player who has made the most outstanding contribution to the local community throughout the year. Aidan gave a passionate acceptance speech after being presented the award from Mike Pawley, one of only a handful of people who actually met George.

Aidan was also honoured through the attendance of his parents Pember and David.

There were also some heavy hitters in the room, most notably Waratah Patron and NSW Premier Mike Baird. Mike even presented a NSW community award to President Andrew Fraser.

The feedback we received from everyone in the room was amazing. Some even said it was the best presentation night they have been to out of any local sporting organisation. From Sammy Webber’s video’s to Ian Bird season in review, to David Gardiner helping on stage and Alex Vumbaca taking photo’s on the Media Wall, everyone contributed to a smashing evening.

And what about Billy D’Arcy’s comedy routine when announcing the players player award. Outstanding.

Special mention to Mick Trevaksis on the microphone. He was polished, funny and kept the night moving. It continue s a great line of MC’s over the last few years and we hope he returns next season.

The award winners were as follows:

Keith Marks Clubman of the year – Sam Webber
George Lowe Medal – Aidan Baker
Senior Player of the Year – Jay Lenton
Bob Lind Junior (U/21) Player of the Year – Ryan Farrell
Presidents Award – Chris Hynes
Spartan Sports Player Player – Jack Edwards
Captain of the Year – Max Burgess
Gary Flowers most Improved – Billy D’Arcy
1st Grade Batting Award – Jay Lenton
1st Grade Bowling Award – Ahillen Beadle
2nd Grade Batting Award – Tom Kaye
2nd Grade Bowling Award – Aidan Baker
3rd Grade Batting Award – Jack Edwards
3rd Grade Bowling Award – Jack Edwards
Don Sellin Award for 3rd Grade player of the year – Josh Wigney
4th Grade Batting Award – Luke Edgell
4th Grade Bowling Award – Jacob Graham
5th Grade Batting Award – Isaiah Vumbaca
5th Grade Bowling Award – Alex Bain
Green Shield Batting Award – Ollie Davies
Green Shield Bowling Award – Hayden Brown
Langdon Gould Green Shield Scholarship – Isaiah Vumbaca
Most Catches by a Fieldsman – Joe Graham
Most dismissals by a wicket-keeper – Jay Lenton

Clubman of the Year Sam Webber

Aidan Baker and family
George Lowe Medal winner Aidan Baker with Mum Pember, Life Member John Warn, Premier Mike Baird, Dad David, and Life Member Mike Pawley