Morrinsville Rugby and Sports Club capped an outstanding year on Saturday night when they were named Club of the Year at the 2009 Metso Matamata-Piako Sports Awards.

District coordinator Ruth Stanley said there had been many highlights for the club this year but the Senior A team winning the Waikato Club competition had really bought the community together.

“Everyone really got in behind the Senior team in their lead up to winning the Waikato competition, it was just fantastic,” Ruth said.

“This club has really developed a friendly, family-orientated atmosphere and the members are just thriving,” she said.

Co-coaches of the Senior A team, Darrin Stevenon and Waisike Masirewa were jointly awarded Coach of the Year. Head coach Darrin died just three weeks before the club competition finished and backs coach Waisike took on the challenge of helping the team cope and keeping them focused.

Sportsman of the Year went to rugby player Brendon Leonard. Brendon was a member of the Chiefs side that made it through to the 2009 Super 14 finals, Waikato NPC and is currently away with the All Blacks on their end of year tour

“Brendon has come through his battle with injuries and won his way back into the All Blacks,” said Ruth.

“We also love seeing him turn out for his club Morrinsville as well, whenever he can.”

86 sportspeople from across the Matamata Piako district were nominated for awards across 10 categories. A wide range of sports were represented including netball, cycling, equestrian, and mountain biking.

Hosted by Sport Waikato and sponsored by Metso, the awards recognise the achievements throughout the year of local sportspeople.

Winners are now considered for the 2009 Perry Foundation Waikato Regional Sports Awards on Thursday 10 December at Mystery Creek.

Service to Sport: Mike Admiral, Shelley Bowers, Jeff Davie, Aad de Groot, Brian Greenville, Sue Lawrence, Di Romley.

2009 winners:
Club of the Year: Morrinsville Rugby & Sports Club
Administrator of the Year: Keith Holmes (Rugby)
Referee Umpire: Tim Rogers (Swimming)
Coach of the Year: Darrin Stevenon & Waisike Masirewa (Rugby)
Sporting Personality of the Year: Alex Bradley (Rugby)
Team of the Year: Morrinsville Rugby & Sports Club Premier Senior A
Master Sportsman of the Year: Dorothy Lennard (Equestrian)
Junior Sportsman of the Year: Beau Wills (Tennis)
Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Maria Dunnett (Shooting)
Sportsperson of the Year: Brendon Leonard (Rugby)