WOOLSTON Rovers celebrated their 2024 season with an awards ceremony named for the first time after a club stalwart.

Earlier this month, The Halliwell Jones Stadium’s 40/20 Lounge hosted the Harry Crank Awards Evening – named in honour of a man who served the club with distinction right up until his death in June 2022.

Players from all ages groups – from the youngest junior players through to the open-age side – while the winners of the first ever Harry Crank Volunteer of the Year awards were revealed.

Chris Higham was named as the award’s inaugural winner, while Ethan Jones picked up the junior volunteer award.

Junior chairman Mark Robinson had the following to say about 2024; “People often ask me why I spend so much time with the club.

“I don’t see it like that – I see it as a place where honest, hard-working people come together to improve the life skills of our members and give them the life skills to play the greatest sport of all.

“I suppose we are like a family and as a family we aim to inspire the community through hope, confidence and trust through rugby league.”

Club president Warren Whalley, who is also open-age chair, believes it is has been a fantastic year for the whole club and shows that we are in a great position moving forward.

“We have twenty teams at the club from Cubs all the way up to under 16s and then two open-age sides.

“We will have an under 18s side next season for the first time in four years and getting together as a club for the Harry Crank Awards evening can only solidify us and ensure we continue to grow each year.

“It was a great evening and also to have the family of my great friend Harry with us – they were a big part of the club as they grew up and came along with their dad, grandad and great grandad.”

Preparations for the 2025 campaign are now underway at all age groups and anybody interested in joining the club is welcome to message into the club Facebook page.

Alternatively, junior enquiries for players aged 4-18 can be sent to junior secretary Sarah Garton – info@jandywoolstonroversrlc.com – who can put you in touch with the right team.

Those wishing to join the open-age team are encouraged to contact open-age secretary Nikki Whalley via email - nikki_whalley@hotmail.com