The coveted Players' Player Award for 2006 went to Duncan French for the
second year running at the Senators' Presentation Evening on 28 October.
This award has special value because it is not awarded by the coaching
staff, but by a secret ballot of the players and was a highlight of the
ceremonies held at the Newcastle Sports Cafe, major sponsors of the
Gateshead Senators.
Dr French, a running back who dominates when on the field, also
collected the 2006 season award for offensive player, while Mark Hume
was the defensive player. Mark tried to retire last year but just can't
get those boots to stay hung up.
The Special teams award went to Ti Bello and Rookie of the Year was Alex
Wingrove, while Richard Nice, who could not be present to collect his
awards, got both the Play of the Year for a resounding 'hit' on an
unfortunate opponent as well as Leading Tackler Award.
The "Big Mik" Team Spirit Award, named in honour of the late Mickey
Thompson, was awarded to Wimmie van Tergouw & Lee Fraser for their work
with the youth squad. As neither could be present, the award was
received on their behalf by Ben 'Magnet' Forster, youth cornerback.
Sponsorship from Sports Cafe Newcastle included after match refreshments
for our opponents, use of Team Room for committee meetings and
presentation evening, Youth Team fund-raising evening etc. We supported
their Superbowl night with the bar staff wearing Senator Uniforms. The
Sports cafe presented a cheque for £1,000.00 for the Club to enable us
to buy new equipment/shirts etc.
In his season review, Head Coach and Club Chairman Gary Marshall
commented on yet another successful season, again reaching the playoffs,
but of course with lessons to be learned as the club was knocked out in
the sudden death playoffs - lessons that would be used for next year's
Premier League campaign.
He also announced changes in the defensive coaching line up, as sadly
Coach Mark Sloan, who had led the defense to new heights, was unable to
continue because of work commitments and the long travelling involved -
he lives in Preston! David 'Will' Wilson takes over as Defensive Coach,
assisted by Mark Lindsey coaching the defensive backs, Kev Elgie as
defensive line coach and Wimmie van Tergouw as assistant in addition to
his role as Special Teams Coach.
