IT'S been a good season for the Welsh, and there was also a strong celtic impact at Devizes RFC's 39th annual end of season dinner on Friday night.

Hooker Chris Billi scooped the player of the year honours in first grade, countryman Taff Bayliss was most outstanding throughout the season in seconds, and the only unwelcome Welsh contribution came from third grade skipper Ioan Beddoe, who made an impromptu speech while his best player Ash Rogalski was being honoured.

In an unscheduled oration after the presentation of his trophy, Billi said: "It's just reward really, I thoroughly enjoyed the season and it was a fantastic team effort after a disappointing start. Who knows how many awards I would have won if I'd actually completed five whole seasons."

Saddleback winger Andy Webb was a very popular recipient of the Ray Smith memorial trophy, awarded for all round contribution to the club, while prop Rob Edwards also very much deserved his clubman of the year honours.

First team scrum-half Tom Collins was named best trainer, and there was a special presentation to club stalwart Mike Maundrell, who at 90 years of age still managed to take his place at the head table.

Guest speakers varied in quality on the evening with ex England team doctor Terry Crystal well worth his time at the microphone, while director of community rugby at the RFU Terry Burwell allowed everyone a useful post dinner nap.

After a disasterous start to the season in first grade when the club lost its first six matches, the side recovered brilliantly to finish the Southern Counties South season in fifth. The seconds, thirds and veterans managed to field sides in almost all fixtures, and the club again had a great junior season.

It was the biggest dinner in the event's history, and President Rod Brown was in a bouyant mood, even though Collins managed to pilfer one of his cigars while receiving his training award.

"It is wonderful to see so many players here from all grades, sponsors, members of the junior fraternity and past players as well.

"We did have a dire start to the season, but recovered well, beating some very good sides.

"Tom Reed's captaincy was a big plus coming on the back of three good years from James Gaiger, and we'll be anxious to make a bigger impact next year."