NATHAN Witty and Steve Barnard were the major winners as Heworth ARLFC held their annual presentation night.

Centre Witty lifted the Atkinson Memorial Trophy after being named the Villagers' first team player of the year, while forward Barnard was voted first team players' player of the year.

Barnard was also presented with an engraved tankard to recognise his excellent contribution to the successful Yorkshire County side which won this season's BARLA County Championship.

Barnard - one of the few players in the White Rose squad who came from clubs outside the top two division of the National Conference League - represented the county in both the wins over Lancashire and Cumbria.

Prop Lee Clarke, who is also club chairman, also lifted an award after being named Heworth first team's most improved player.

At 'A' team level, the player of the year was full-back-cum-hooker Kevin Gott, players' player was second row Jason Kane and most improved was half-back Joe Murphy.

The Villagers' clubman of the year award was jointly given to ex-hooker Peter Jackson, who has been associated with the club on and off for more than 40 years, and club secretary Michael 'Matty' Morris, a former second row who has been with Heworth in one capacity or another for more than 50 years. Both have worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

The awards ceremony, which was held at the Buckles Inn, saw club president Barry Jackson thank all players, coaches, committee members and supporters for pulling together this season, with 'A' team bosses Dave Edgar and Eddie Hardcastle also praised for their enthusiasm and hard work.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: "We finished the season on a high thanks to the efforts of the players and particularly (first team) coaches Brendan Carlyle and Phil Sturdy, who galvanised a tremendous spirit which should auger well for next season.

"The 'A' team also had a good season, just missing out of the top four play-offs in Yorkshire League division four."

Updated: 11:42 Tuesday, May 21, 2002