Lifetime award for loyal Fred

RUBY: HOLLINWOOD secretary Fred Halliwell was handed the life membership award at the Oldham Amateur Rugby League presentation evening.

For more than three decades, 73-year-old Fred has given his all to his club.

He joined Hollinwood, who play in Pennine League Division Five, at their creation following a switch from Shaw, and has been involved in all aspects of life at Hollinwood since.

Fred remains crucial to the club and spends his time sorting out kit, marking the pitch and making sure match days run smoothly - as well as being ready on the sidelines with the magic sponge.

Fred said: “I was chuffed to receive this recognition — the plaque they gave me to go away with has taken pride of place in the front room.”

Hollinwood’s Lauren Woodward (24) bagged an Unsung Hero gong, as did Tony Richmond, of Waterhead, and Hollinwood also received the Billy Webb trophy for club of the year, chosen by Oldham Referees’ Society.

Youth player of the year went to Jack Connor, of Saddleworth Rangers, while Oldham St Anne’s secretary Barbara Henderson clinched the outstanding service to the game award.

Pete Beswick, chairman of Waterhead, received the Bernard Flanagan sportsperson of the year gong.

The 2012 Standard Challenge Cup man of the match accolades were given to Joe Tindall (Fitton Hill Bulldogs), Paul Turner (Higginshaw), Kevin Collins (Hollinwood), Danny Earley and Lee Forsyth (Oldham St Annes), Adam Walker (Saddleworth Rangers), and Darren Nixon (Waterhead).


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