ONE of the most renowned predators in the country, Ryan McCartney, created what must be an East Antrim record by lifting the leading goalscorer trophy for the eighth successive season, as Rathfern Rangers held their annual Player of the Year dinner in the Nortel Social Club at the weekend.
Chairman David McCrea reviewed an historic year for the club.
Weve been trying for a long time to get into the Amateur League and at long last we got in and proved our point, winning the league, the Cochrane Corry Cup and the trophy for top scorers in the league, he said.
At the end of the year we were struggling, with players playing through injuries, but we managed it and its a brilliant achievement. Well done, lads.
Hugh Corbett, former treasurer of the Churches League, added his congratulations. He knew from talking to friends that, Rathfern are a credit to the Amateur League and a credit to themselves.
First team manager Colin Crawford commented: From a footballing point of view it was probably the best season we ever had. We were under pressure to win something and I would have been disappointed if we hadnt.
Hugh Corbett handed over the championship trophy to captain Jimmy Crawford and medals to the following:
Paul McPhee, Glen Moore, Neil Crawford, Mark Young, Gary Robinson, David McCrea, Glyn McCartney, Willie Cochrane and secretary John McBride, who handed his medal over to second team manager Ronnie Stockard.
Mr. Cochrane also handed over the Cochrane Corry Cup to Stanley OConnor.
Rathfern were the top goalscorers in the entire Amateur League, netting an amazing 104 times in their 26 league games. Victories included two memorable 11-1 wins over Kilroot Rec. and Bangor Rangers.
Jean Whiteley of Stanley Racing presented the Tri-Sport Top Goalscorers award to Ryan McCartney.
Seconds
The second team had a successful season, clinching the runners-up spot in Division 3D. Jean Whiteley handed over medals to Stephen Bennett, David McCombe Sr., David McCombe Jr., Alan Lynas, John Lynas, Paul Wasson, Darren Ricmond, Michael Orchin, Colin Weir, Wayne Page, William Cruickshanks, John McBride and Robert Axon.
Individual awards, presented by Roy Kernaghan:
First team leading scorer - Ryan McCartney.
Seconds leading scorer - Ronnie Stockard.
Clubman of the Year - David Keenan (first team); Robert Axon (second team).
Best Newcomers - Glen Moore (firsts); Paul Wasson (Seconds).
First team Players Player of the Year, presented by Mark Moore - David McCrea.
Seconds Players Player of the Year - Ronnie Stockard.
Managers Player of the Year, presented by Jimmy Higgins - David McCrea; John Lynas..
Colin Crawford made a special presentation to Davy Fyfe, who was kind enough to carry round a chair for me when I was on crutches after breaking my leg.
There were also presentations to Debbie Stockard for washing the kits every week and to Debbie Smyth for providing sandwiches at home matches. Hugh Corbett received a gift, as did Jean Whiteley, Mark Moore, Moira Stephens, Roy Kernaghan and Graham Osbourne for their support through the year.
A special award, the Da Sugar Memorial Trophy, was presented to Mark Young.
The club announced it is to play in a charity match in aid of the Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary. It will feature Rathfern Oul Hands and Ballyclare Comrades Oul Hands, on August 2 at Dixon Park.
