GEORGE Withers was voted Malvern’s player of the year at their annual awards dinner at Spring Lane.

Several new names were added to the trophies presented by the Midland Two West (South) club's president David Robins.

The development XV most improved player award went to Joe Pain, while Kai Alton won the development XV player-of-the-year cup.

The President’s Cup for the outstanding young player was handed to Laurie Essenhigh, who burst into the first XV in his first year of senior rugby.

First XV tighthead prop Craig Freeman claimed the accolade for most improved player, having jumped up several levels when he joined Malvern from Kings Norton after moving to the area last summer.

Club chief Alan Evans then presented the Chairman’s Cup, which recognises the person who has done most for the club in the past year.

This went to Sarah Curtis in recognition of all the hard work she has put in with the junior section at Malvern.

Jack Longley claimed the trophy for players’ player of the year for his tireless work in the back row, and sometimes the second row when needed.

The major accolade of player of the year was carried off by front-row forward Withers.

He earned his “Iron Man” tag by playing every minute of every first XV match during the season.

His hooking and ball carrying skills were much in evidence and he was a popular winner.

After the official awards, Vince Hill took centre stage with his two sons Max and Ted as they presented the club with their England and Midlands representative shirts.

The teenagers learned their rugby at Malvern and are now on track for greater things.

A club spokesman said: “Malvern have always been proud to develop talent and push it on to higher levels, as seen by people like local lad Tim Streather, now at Saracens, and many others who have plied their trade at National League level.

“With the immense flow of talent now coming through from the youth section, we are confident there will be many more that started at Spring Lane who will gain representative honours.”