Crosfields hold first ever Liam Walsh Man of Steel evening

A sold-out room of more than 300 guests at The Halliwell Jones Stadium’s 40-20 Lounge attended the club’s first ever Liam Walsh Man of Steel event – named after the former Soap player and coach who was found dead at his Great Sankey home in 2020 having taken his own life.

Joe Clarke – one of Walsh’s closest friends – took home the main prize as the Hood Lane side celebrated winning promotion from National Conference League Division Two.

“We are an amateur club, we have just sold out the suite to 320 people and I could probably have sold 400 tickets,” head coach Matt Wilson said.

“We have fantastic support and we are so grateful to everyone.

“I’m so glad we could honour Liam in this way and create a legacy for him for the future – I hope he will be up there with a Strongbow proud of us.

“His parents were on hand to crown his close friend Joe Clarke the winner and the place erupted for him.”

Sky Sports rugby league pundits Barrie McDermott and Terry O’Connor were on hand to host the event and present the awards.

Soap will play in NCL Division One in 2023 after a season in which they lost just five games, finishing second in the table behind champions Heworth.

“It’s been a fantastic 2022,” Wilson said.

“We have shifted our club’s culture on and off the field and this night shows it’s worthwhile.

“I’m delighted as my players deserve it but we can’t stand still – we go again in 2023 and our event will be bigger & better at the end.”

Crosfields’ pre-season training starts on Saturday, November 12, at Hood Lane.

Crosfields ARLFC Liam Walsh Man of Steel awards night winners:

Total Steel Clubman of the Year – Tom Millington

Space Design Coaches Award – Ben Steele

D-Rail Back of the Year – Jack Lewis

Youngs Roofing Forward of the Year – Tom Millington

B- Engineering NWML player of the Year – Alex Clutterbuck

Tiki Hideout NCL Player of the Year – Jack Fox

Duchy Homes Liam Walsh Man of Steel – Joe Clarke