YORK Acorn centre Michael Embleton picked up a brace of awards at the amateur rugby league club's open age/under-18s end of season presentation event.

Embleton lifted the first team's Man of Steel and players' player awards, receiving them from guest presenter Andy Gregory, the former Great Britain star.

Other first team award winners were Kevin Brundrett, who lifted the inaugural Rob Lee Memorial Trophy as voted for by the supporters.

The forward of the year was Adam Endersby, who has signed forms for National League Two side Gateshead Thunder, and the back of the year was Great Britain Under-21s winger Jon Waldron. The most improved player was Andy Gargan.

'A' team winners were: Matt Wash (Andy Cowl Man of Steel); Fran Starkey (coach's player); Mick Calam (players' player); Matthew Embleton (most improved); Alex Cowton (impact player of the year).

The U18s winners, who received their awards from York City Knights' former Super League champion Chris Smith, were: Tom Lyon (Man of Steel); Andy Henson (player of the year); Matthew Embleton (players' player); Tom Gargan (most improved); Tom Hill (young player).

Acorn's U18s coach Barry Gargan will move up to the first team next season to work alongside coach Dave Kay and Paul Lumby.

The club's Woman of the Year award went to Bev Langan, while several other people were recognised for their work at the Thanet Road outfit and were given special achievement awards. These were Barry Fox, Denis Byworth, Linda Hill, Phil Galloway, Tony Tate and Wendy Harkus.

Heworth ARLC will be holding their first and second team presentation bash at the Elm Park Way clubhouse on Saturday, starting at 8pm.

Selby Warriors under-9s lost 28-12 to Headingley Hawks but played their best rugby of the year with a depleted squad in an eight-a-side encounter.

Selby's three tries came from Dean Spooner, Jacob Bate and man of the match Liam Speight. Elliot Stringer was coach's choice, Jordan Chambers was top tackler and Billy Millin most improved.

Updated: 09:29 Wednesday, May 05, 2004