They were about as close to a certainty as you would get for that trophy, named after one of rugby's greats Sir Brian Lochore, after winning the Tui Cup premier division men's title, finishing runner-up in the Manawatu women's competition and fielding competitive teams in the Wairarapa-Bush senior reserve and Manawatu colts competitions as well.
There was a quinella for Eketahuna in the two Player of the Year awards with Sam Monaghan being a popular winner of the men's version and likewise Katie Turnbull of the women's.
Their club president Dennis "Doc" Dougherty was named Senior Administrator of the Year and their premier division coach Wayne Roache, Coach of the Year. Monaghan also won the trophy for top try scorer in premier division play with 14 and clubmate Tom Meuli was top points scorer with 139pts. There was plenty to celebrate too for husband-and-wife Blue and Angela Hansen, two stalwarts of the Pioneer club.
Blue Hansen was named Volunteer of the Year while Angela was Personality of the Year. Flanker Rima Marurai made it three awards for Pioneer when he was announced as Best and Fairest Player, Junior Administrator of the Year was Don Miller of Makoura College, Joe Feast (East Coast) was Maori Player of the Year, Hurricanes under-18 rep Sam Tufuga-Piopa (Rathkeale College) was named College Player of the Year and Referee of the Year is Alistair Payne, a member of the NZRFU's wider training group.
Guest speaker at the function was newly-appointed Hurricanes Super 15 head coach, Chris Boyd, who expressed a determination to have the side reward their loyal band of supporters next year by playing a more consistent brand of rugby. "We are going out to win the competition, that's the aim," he said.
The full list of award winners is: -
Farry McLeod Trophy for Volunteer of the Year sponsored by the Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Supporter's Club: Blue Hansen (Pioneer).
David Galvin Trophy for Senior Administrator of the Year sponsored by Kooga: Dennis "Doc" Dougherty (Eketahuna).
Ron Hughes Trophy for Junior Administrator of the Year sponsored by Wellington Rugby: Don Miller (Makoura College).
Eric Kenny Trophy for Personality of the Year sponsored by Tunnell Tyres: Angela Hansen (Pioneer).
Patrick Rimene Trophy for top points scorer in premier division rugby sponsored by Trevs: Tom Meuli (Eketahuna) 139pts.
Manuera "Ben" Couch Trophy for leading try scorer in premier division rugby sponsored by Trevs: Sam Monaghan (Eketahuna) 14 tries.
Avis McPhee Trophy for Women's Player of the Year sponsored by Solway Park: Katie Turnbull (Eketahuna),
Pat Shannahan Trophy for Men's Player of the Year sponsored by Solway Park: Sam Monaghan (Eketahuna).
Rutene Family Trophy for College Player of the Year sponsored by Kooga: Sam Tufuga-Piopa (Rathkeale College).
Kingi Matthews Trophy for Maori Player of the Year sponsored by Tunnell Tyres and Papawai Marae: Joe Feast (East Coast).
Lane Penn Trophy for Coach of the Year sponsored by PGG Wrightson: Wayne Roache (Eketahuna).
Baden Whale for for Referee of the Year sponsored by Farmlands: Alistair Payne.
Bob Francis Cup for Best and Fairest Player sponsored by Apache Jack: Rima Murarai (Pioneer).
Sir Brian Lochore Trophy for Club of the Year sponsored by Gilbert Rugby: Eketahuna.
A special presentation was made to Debby Castles, who has completed 10 years as a staff member in the WBRFU head office. She was a leading light in organising the awards function.
