Player Awards 2003

By TigersTart May 1 2003
The fans came out to support the players, and around 150 came to the event. Supporters mingled with the players for nearly two hours getting end-of-season photos and autographs

Murphy, Vesty and Backy take Players Awards

By TigersTart

Pictures by Ian and Ali

The annual player of the season awards were held in the Tiger Bar on Wednesday 30th April 2003 to honour the achievements of the players, as voted for by the members of the club. The fans came out to support the players, and around 150 came to the event. Supporters mingled with the players for nearly two hours getting end-of-season photos and autographs.

David Clayton welcomed the members to the evening.

He added:

“I would like to thank you all for your support of this evening and your support throughout the year. At Tigers we have the best fans, as the facts speak for themselves – an average attendance of 16,000 where other Premiership clubs get an average of 8,000 and 11 out of 15 games this season have been sell-outs. On behalf of the board and team, I would like to thank you for your support”.

Tudor Thomas took over the microphone to present the awards. Tudor personally welcomed all of the members to the evening and expressed his sincere thanks for the tremendous support that the fans have given when the team through all times.

Tudor commented:

“I know that you will support us over the years. Tigers are a wonderful family club and the club more than ever wants your support”.

Tudor put in a special mention in for the U21s squad who are progressing well up through the ranks – many of whom were present in the audience. The awards were presented by Joy Broughton, who has been a Tigers member for 10 years, as her name was randomly drawn out from all the members who attended the evening.

Player of the season 2002-2003

Geordan Murphy

Tudor introduced this award by saying: “to win a top award you need ability and character to develop skills. This player has those qualities. He is a naturally gifted rugby player and as a person, he is the epitomy of what a gifted sportsman should be. This player is a credit to his family, friends and club. His debut was 14 November 1997 and has 16 caps for Ireland – Geordan Murphy”

Murphy POTS 2003

As modest as ever, Murphy collected his award and said: “This is a tremendous honour. A lot of the guys at the club deserve this award above me. I have had an enjoyable year where I have collected accolades that have previously eluded me. I am only getting the ball because the forwards are playing well and the backs are giving me the ball. To add onto what Tudor has said, I would like to say how the players appreciate the fans. Thank you very much”.

Young player of the season 2002-2003

Sam Vesty

Tudor introduced this award by outlining: “this recognises the talent that’s going to be around for years to come. It reflects the hard work and dedication required to get to the top”. Tudor added that this player has made 22 first team appearances and contributed 26 points - Sam Vesty.

Vesty YPOTS 2003

Vesty collected his award and said: “..thanks very much for this. It is a bit of a shock. It’s a bit like the Oscars. It means a lot”.

Outstanding service award 2002-2003

Neil Back

Tudor outlined how this recipient made his debut against Bedford at Welford Road back in September 1990, winning 57-6, which included a try. Tudor expanded: “from that squad, there are only two other players in the team now and 7 of that squad are now coaching at Leicester. This player has 57 caps for England and made 289 appearances for Tigers, including 106 tries – Neil Back”.

Backy OSA 2003

Backy collected his award and said: “It’s a honour to receive this award and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing for Tigers and hope there’s more to come. We have received great support from the fans and its important to get behind the players.”

Special Award

Darren Garforth

There was a special award at the end of the evening to the retiring prop Darren Garforth. A caricature, drawn by Chris Bailey, was presented to Darren from all of the members. Darren commented: “that it does me no justice”.

Daz and Inky