At our End of Season Awards, two of the club’s most meaningful honours were presented to two people who have made an outstanding contribution to Tynedale RFC over the past 12 months.

The Rory Cramb Award for 'Clubman of the Year' and the Ian Dodds Memorial Trophy for 'Volunteer of the Year' mean a great deal to everyone at Tynedale.

Rory was a much-loved teammate, friend and Tynedale man who continues to be dearly missed. This year’s award felt even more poignant following the passing of his father, Richard, another wonderful Tynedale man whose impact on the club will never be forgotten.

The Ian Dodds Memorial Trophy honours another Old Tyner taken from us far too soon. ‘Doddsy’ was a former 1st XV winger and, later, a hugely committed team manager with the Centurions and Raiders. A universally loved character who always put others first and gave so much to the club.

Three great Tynedale men. Two very special trophies.

This year’s recipients are Richie Gledson and Rob Macfarlane.

In his first year as Head of Commercial, Richie’s ‘get it done’ attitude has helped drive huge progress across the club. From leading our commercial development to helping deliver the 150th Celebration Dinner, Tynedale Sevens and our new membership system, his commitment has made an immediate and lasting impact.

Rob’s work is often behind the scenes, but no less important. As Adult Player Registrar, he ensures players across all four senior teams are correctly registered and eligible to play.
For up to an hour after every home 1stXV match, while his mates freely socialise, Rob is tucked away in the back room ensuring the Match Card is correctly filled in, signed off and dispatches before the deadline.
At the 150th Dinner, while others celebrated, Rob spent the evening serving drinks, collecting and washing glasses and helping wherever he was needed before leading the clean-up long after everyone had gone home.

Rugby clubs are built by people like this. People who give up evenings, weekends and family time simply because the club needs them.

Congratulations to Richie and Rob. Two thoroughly deserving recipients of two very special Tynedale awards.