FARNHAM Knights celebrated their successful 2015 campaign at their annual awards night at Farnham Rugby club.

The Knights won Division 1 (South) with an 8-1-1 record and then went through the play-offs unbeaten to clinch the fourth Bowl title in the club’s history.

Star running back Gareth Davies was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player. He also picked up the Supporters Club award, following his epic 1,642-yard and 17 touchdowns season.

Offensive Player of the Year was Nick Roope, Davies’ backfield partner, who ran for 1,061 yards and 16 touchdowns. Showing his versatility, he also scored on a kick return, a pass reception and he added a passing TD. With no fewer than 13 successful two-point conversions, he topped the Knights’ charts with 140 points.

Steve Rains’ coaching staff gave their Offensive Player of the Year award to quarterback Oli De Ruyter who passed for 1,485 yards and 15 touchdowns and added his own rushing touchdown for good measure.

The Defensive Player of the Year was cornerback Joe Criddle who finished the season with 51 tackles, plus a club record-equalling six interceptions of which he returned for a touchdown.

Defensive Player of the Year was linebacker Jonathan Vince who totalled 49 tackles during the regular season.

Special Team Player of the Year went to first-year kicker John Symons who added 36 one-point conversions to his five field goals, placing him third on the scoring list. He also handled the kick-off and punting duties which regularly put the Knights in great field position.

Other awards:

Offensive Lineman of the Year - Tom Outhwaite; Defensive Lineman of the Year - Luke Bridcutt; Coaches lineman of the Year - Tom Roberts; Coaches Special Teams player of the year - Ally Reid; Most improved Offensive Player - Mike Bradley-Banzski; Most improved Defensive Player - Murat Gumus; Offensive rookie of the year - Toby Lettman; Defensive rookie of the year - Chris Dagwell-James; Team Player of the Year - Steve Price; Club Person of the year - Chairman David Ferebee.

The club also awards the Kenny Lettman Memorial Trophy to an individual who has shown the dedication and approach to the sport which emulates the work ethic of former player Kenny Lettman who died aged just 44 in 2008.

This year, it went to youth section head coach Chris Howard who contributed greatly to the club’s success across three age groups.

The award was made by Kenny’s son, Toby, who has completed his first year as a Knights senior player.

Head coach Steve Rains said: “We face new challenges next year in the top level of British American football and we will be aiming to build on the very strong foundation we have established over the past two years.”

Training starts on Sunday, January 17 (12 noon) at Ash Manor Sports Centre and Farnham Knights will welcome new players, with or without experience, across all three age groups.