BARLA honours

Chris Gorey (left) and Alan Dalton with their awards

RUGBY:

CHRIS Gorey and Alan Dalton were among local rugby league personalities whose efforts were recognised at the annual BARLA presentation night in Leeds.

Gorey picked up the open-age coach of the year award for his efforts in turning around the fortunes of Hollinwood — the club that veteran player of the year award winner Dalton still turns out for, despite being in his early 50s.

The unsung hero award went to Oldham St Anne's stalwart Jimmy Leach, while Rochdale Cobras picked up the club of the year award.

Former BARLA board member and secretary Nigel Hollingsworth was awarded life membership for his many years of service and Saddleworth Rangers under-16s coach Tim White was named youth coach of the year.

“I am proud to receive the award,” said White. “But I have to say it wouldn’t have been possible

without the hard work of my assistants Darren Connor and Alan Bolton, and especially the players, who showed so much determination to win the North-West Counties League Premier Division in back-to-back seasons.”




HOLLINWOOD kick off the new season having swapped the Pennine League for new surroundings in the North-West Counties League. Hollinwood's first game is on Saturday, September 3, at home against Wigan St Cuthberts.