26th May 2026
On Saturday 23rd May 2026, we hosted our annual End of Season Dinner and Awards evening at Ash RFC. On what was the hottest day of so far, we allowed players to wear shorts as apart of the evening attire, so out came the salmon chinos for some people to celebrate a grand season for Ash 1st XV.
Starting with a player team photo, then a whole club photo, we sat down for our 2 course meal. This was kindly prepared by Kerry, Ben and Joe Brabham throughout the day, and it hit the sweet spot as it filled up everyone for an evening of celebrations. Whilst eating, we enjoyed a variety of old photos from 1995 to last season, including some questionable photos, old team photos and some photoshopped pictures which brought laughs and memories!
Once grace was announced, food was eaten and port was toasted to the King, absent friends and to the club. We started with the speeches from our Co-Chairmen and our Coaches. I have only just recovered from the length of coach Joe’s lengthy speech - it put Ralphy’s speeches of the length of speeches to shame! Half an hour passed from Joes speech, but it was time for the real fun.
Firstly, the coaches and committee of the club wanted to recognise a player for 30 years of service to the club, in which that is our very own Steve ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins. One of the ‘originals’, he still plays, 30 years on (It’s mainly to cover the wet wipe Sam Gunter at No. 2 for when he’s ‘injured’!!). But Hoppy had been able to play multiple games with his 3 boys this season. A first in Ash’s history. Therefore he received a canvas picture of all the family together, as a little thank you to him. One more year Hoppy!!
We then moved onto the main awards, which were given out to players for their seasons efforts. A congratulations goes to:
Steve Hopkins (Special Recognition Award, presented by Neil, Swifty and Sam)
Steve Crump (Supporter’s Player of the Year, presented by Ralphy)
Matt Evans (Clubman of the Year, presented by Neil and Sam)
Fin Parfitt (Most Improved Player of the Year, presented by Joe and Neil)
Guy Williamson (Coaches’ Player of the Year, presented by Joe and Neil)
Brad Nash (Players’ Player of the Year, presented by Radders)
After these awards were given out, a drinks break was required to rehydrate on what was turning out to be a hot evening in the clubhouse. Time to be refreshed for the Ashcar awards, hosted by Jimmy O and Ben Brabs. Awards included tackle of the season, the bubble wrap award and d**k of the season. An awards session to recognise the fun we’ve had throughout the year, and to remind us all of all the funny moments that has happened this season.
All awards are presented, speeches are completed and food sufficiently eaten. It was time for the party, where the tables were cleared and the dance floor opened. Our very own Debby entertaining the crowd with her singing of songs from the 80s to the recent times. Lots of dance moves came out and questionable singing by our players. What goes on at the party stays at the party, but people enjoyed the evening and celebrated until the night was done.
A huge thank you goes to
You can view the photos of the night here, kindly taken by Kirk
Well done to the 1st XV on a successful season - a well deserved party to celebrate our league win!
© Ash RFC 1995-2026 - All Rights Reserved
| Website by 
