WINGHAM expect to name the first grade coach for the 2017 Group Three Rugby League season within a fortnight.
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It has been confirmed that this year’s captain-coach Kurt Lewis, who steered the Tigers to the final – Wingham’s best result in nearly a decade, will be staying on as a player. This was announced at the club’s presentation held at the Wingham Town Hall.
Wingham treasurer Craig Martin said the club has been negotiating with a coach and he is confident this will be finalised soon. The prospective coach is from outside the area and has a wealth of experience.
He said the club is delighted that Lewis will be staying on as a player.
“We always wanted Kurt to be a long-term player with the Tigers,’’ he said.
The Tigers enjoyed a successful season, finishing third in first grade while the reserve grade was eliminated in the minor semi-final. The under 18s and women’s league tag both failed the make the playoffs, although the 18s enjoyed an improved season.
Consistent utility forward Shannon Ellem was named first grade player of the year, just beating second rower Joel Kliendienst, who won the best forward award.
Kurt Lewis was the best back while fullback Blake Sky was named the most consistent.
Reserve grade back rower Brendan Butler won the David Steel Memorial award for the player of the year in all grades.
Ryan Morris was the under 18 player of the year while Lily Murray was the women’s league tag player of the year.
Scott Blanch was the senior clubman of the year and Eliza Baker the junior club person year.
Greg Hile received one of the biggest cheers of the night when he was announced the winner of the commitment to the game award.
Special presentations were made to Ben Welsh and Luke Steel, who were both made life members for playing their 200th first grade games with the club last season.
Meanwhile four Wingham players were named in the Group Three team of the year. This was announced at the group’s presentation night held at the Wingham Services Club.
Michael Bailey is on a wing, Tim Bridge in the centres, Kurt Lewis at five-eighth and Joel Kliendienst in the second row.
Fullback Blake Sky was the group’s most improved player in first grade while Michael Bailey was the top points scorer.
Bailey scored 19 tries and kicked 58 goals to compile 192 points.
Tim Bridge was also the second highest try scorer in first grade, finishing two behind Clint Walker from Port City.
Wingham Services Club will again be the group’s major sponsor for 2017, continuing a long term commitment.
The group’s annual meeting will be held at the services club on Sunday November 20.