OLIVIA WALKER has been rewarded for her magnificent efforts for Surrey Chargers, Chobham RFC’s mixed-ability side.

Walker was named the team’s most-improved player of the 2022-23 campaign.

A spokesman for the Fowlers Wells-based outfit said: “Olivia came on in leaps and bounds in both confidence and playing ability over the past year. 

“She was an ever-present at training, as well as encouraging those around her.”

Newcomer of the year was Gregor Sumner.

“Gregor joined us at the start of the season and impressed with his speed, athleticism and boundless enthusiasm,” said the spokesman. 

“He’s just getting into contact play now, and we’re looking forward to seeing him run through opponents in the very near future.”

Long-serving Logan Sharkey was named coaches’ player of the season.

The spokesman said: “Logan has been with us for many years and started playing contact rugby this season.

“No-one who saw him play in Ireland at the International Mixed-Ability Rugby Tournament and since then will forget him making metres on every carry with several defenders hanging off him. 

“He has taken to contact rugby like a duck to water.”

Tom Sargrove’s loyalty saw him honoured with the clubman-of-the-year accolade.

“Tom has been a loyal member of the team for several years,” said the spokesman.

“And in addition to constantly improving, he put in some storming performances during the 2023-23 season, even though he was struggling a bit with various injuries.”

Meanwhile, Jonny Beavis won the Chobham walking rugby section’s clubman-of-the-year trophy.

The club spokesman said: “Jonny was always ready to assist with anything that needed doing around the section, whether it was refereeing, on-pitch coaching, helping newer members, making sure the pitch was set up, doing the team warm-up or setting up the Spond rugby management app network for the team. He was always a big help when needed.”

Corinne Evans was selected as the section’s most-improved player.

The spokesman said: “Cortinne has really evolved into the role after possibly being a little nervous at the start, to the extent of now being an integral member of the playing squad that finished fourth overall at the Surrey Walking Rugby Festival.”

Gareth Jones was named the section’s players’ player of the season.

“Gareth always maintained the highest playing standards and was extremely supportive of other players,” said the spokesman. 

“He was also one of the best players at the Surrey Walking Rugby Festival and he didn’t hesitate to help out the other Chobham side there at very short notice.”

The section’s newcomer of the year was Andrew Moody.

The spokesman said: “Walking rugby is great for people who are new to the game, or for established players who want to stay active.

“Andrew epitomises the player who has rapidly bought into the whole idea of this form of the sport after stopping the 15-a-side game.”