Sidmouth RFC were honoured at an Awards Luncheon held at Twickenham before the England versus Wales match on the first Saturday in June.

The Chiefs had been shortlisted for an award in the ‘Better Facilities’ category. The nomination was in relation to the completion last year, of the work on two pitches at Sidford to level and install drainage, and the refurbishment of the clubhouse at the Blackmore Field. Both projects have proved to be a great success. The pitches have shown a 40 per cent increase in use despite the very wet winter, and the hire of the clubhouse for various events has increased greatly from almost zero.

The club was represented at the presentation by Terry O’Brien, who was responsible for fundraising for the projects, Kerin Hamill, who did the design work for the clubhouse and her husband John. The nominated clubs were hosted on a table by Malcolm Wharton, who managed the pitches project on behalf of the club, and is also an RFU Council member and chairman of the Community Game Board.

The award was won by the Isle of Wight RFC, but Sidmouth were presented with a certificate to mark their nomination.