Red and black filled the Lithgow Workies showroom on Saturday night as the Lithgow Bears held their annual presentation night.
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The Bears have had a massive year including hosting the 2017 New Era Cup Knockout and New Era Cup presentation night.
The club held and organised the Nathan Boundy Memorial Game against Kandos Waratahs as well as the Bears Retro sponsorship day to mark 35 years.
The Bears also joined with Lithgow Walk ‘n’ Talk and LINC for suicide awareness and prevention.
Earlier this year the Bears lost a friend and past player who captained the club to two premierships to suicide, Jeremy Fittler. Jeremy’s memories playing with the Bears will be in our hearts forever.
The first Jeremy ‘Jezza’ Fittler memorial award was presented to Blake Collins as the most consistent player of the year.
Collins may have been the shortest player on the field but he played well above his weight on the field, showed a consistent positive attitude and never gave up.
Tony Northey claimed the Ian Ryan Memorial Club Person of the year award. The memorial trophy is presented to those who show outstanding commitment and involvement to the club.
Northey’s commitment to the Bears has been greatly appreciated and very valuable to improve the club’s reputation within the Lithgow community.
Tobins Transport has been a valuable sponsor for the Bears since the club’s inception in 1982.
As a sign of their appreciation the Bears presented Tony Tobin with a framed replica of the 1982 jersey signed by the 2017 Bears team.
Tobin as well as Stevie and Peter Hughes were presented with life membership to the Bears club by 20 year life member Greg Machin.
Club president Ben Spittles presented his president’s awards to Jaime Northey and Luke Amos for their consistent commitment throughout the year.
Award winners:
- Players’ Player: Ryan Peters-Chapman and Ashlee Northey
- Top Try Scorer: Brenton Dunn and Ashlee Northey
- Most Improved: Jye Naughton and Lauren Stevens
- Coaches Award: Brett Frazer and Clare Larkin
- Best and Fairest: Kaleb Ritchey and Ashlee Northey
- Rookie of the Year: Jack Bilby and Ashleigh Thompson
- Top Point Scorer: Blake Collins and Ashlee Northey
The Lithgow Bears have thanked the club sponsors, supporters, life members and all others who have helped to make each game day run smoothly.
Most importantly the Bears committee would like to thank all players and their families plus this year’s coaches Boe Biles and Mark Denley.
Expressions of interest are now open for the coaching positions of the Bears rugby league and league tag teams in 2018. Applications need to be submitted to Ben Spittles by November 12.
Tickets are on sale for the Bears 35 year reunion on Saturday, November 11 at Lithgow Workies. Details: lithgowbears@outlook.com
