Pat Moran, Oldham’s relatively new forward, has won the Brian Walker Award for June, thus following in the footsteps of the first winner, club captain Martyn Ridyard.
The presentation picture, taken in hospitality at the Vestacare Stadium on Sunday, shows (left to right): club vice-president John Chadwick, Moran, club director Simon Winnard.
The Brian Walker Award goes to the player each month who, in the opinion of coach Stu Littler and his assistant, Brendan Sheridan, has contributed most on three fronts – in games, in training and in the dressing room generally.
The recipient each month receives a decanter and a cheque for £250, provided jointly by the Walker family, sponsors Rugby Oldham (Supporters’ Trust) and the club, for the winner to donate either to his amateur club or a charity of his choice. Ridyard’s cheque went to the charity “Two Hips, One knee” while Moran’s will go to the Stroke Association.
Said the former Warrington, Widnes, Newcastle Thunder forward: “I’m very privileged to get this award. The £250 will go to the Stroke Association, a charity close to my heart.”
Moran (25), an Ireland international, signed from French club Avignon in early May in a deal to the end of the season. He has since made as big impact on the club and was described by John Chadwick at the presentation as a “class act.”
The overall winner at the end of the season will receive the player-of-the-year trophy, the Brian Walker Trophy, in memory of Brian, a lifelong fan. a hands-on supporter and a founder member of the Supporters’ Trust.
