Helensburgh Hockey Club holds awards night to end its season

The flamenco dancers were out, and Enrique Iglesias was on the microphone as the club brought down the curtain on another prosperous campaign.

The club’s annual awards dinner was held at Craighelen Lawn Tennis & Squash club and good night was had by all. Massive thanks to the Ginger Breadman for providing the catering and to social convenor Kim Black for organising it all.

The club were marking a successful season and honouring the individuals who have shone throughout the year.

Two new trophies were awarded this year – the 3rd XI and 2nd XI player of the year prizes.

The 2nd XI player of the year trophy, of which the first winner was Daniel Dooley, was dedicated to honorary club president, Brian Caulfield.

Second XI player of the year Daniel Dooley receiving the Brian Caulfield Shield, presented by Brian's grandsons Jay and Leo

The Brian Caulfield Shield will be presented for years to come to celebrate individuals who shine in the 2nd XI.

A stalwart of the club, Brian has held many voluntary positions in the club but was massively influential in restarting the 2nd XI back in the early 2000s.

Thanks to his tireless work, the team got up and running again, and the club can now boast three XIs each Saturday.

The full list of award winners is as follows.

Volunteer of the year – Logan Hill.

Most improved player of the year – Toby Barrie.

Young player of the year – Ewan McCartney.

3rd XI top goal scorer – Mark Findlay.

2nd XI top goal scorer – Alan Bowman.

1st XI top goal scorer – Barry Cox.

John Andrews Trophy for the club’s top goal scorer – Mark Findlay.

3rd XI player of the year – James Pettit.

The Brian Caulfield Shield for 2nd XI player of the year – Daniel Dooley.

Player of the season – Mark Findlay.

Players’ player of the year – Mark Findlay.

Honorary vice-president Richard Schooling presenting the players' player of the year prize to Mark Findlay

The club also celebrated the success of the 2nd XI, who won the West District third division – an achievement that has never been done before at the club.

Earlier in the month, the club held its annual general meeting, where it voted in the new committee.

During the meeting, another long-term servant of the club, Barry Cox, stepped down from his role as club captain, and stepped off the committee, ending a 30-year stint as a volunteer for Helensburgh.

Barry’s roles have included 1st XI captain, junior coach and club captain but most impressively was his time as treasurer, taking the club from strength to strength, keeping the books and keeping the club in the black for more than 17 years.

New club captain Gordon Black said: “I’d like to offer the club’s immense thanks to Barry for such an impressive career as a volunteer for the club.

“I hope Barry can now enjoy simply playing the sport he loves without the pressure of running the club.”