Rugby were winners in two categories at the Suffolk Sports Awards 2011. Woodbridge RFC and Ipswich YM were presented with trophies at a prestigious awards evening at the Trinity Park conference centre last night (Sunday).

Woodbridge Rugby Club received the Innovative Project award for the O2 Touch Pub Rugby competition they ran in partnership with Suffolk Coastal District Council and the RFU. They beat off strong competition from Suffolk Golf partnership and the 2012 Volunteering Legacy project.

Lee Adamson RFU, Sarah Shinnie Suffolk Coastal District Council and Simon Bennett Woodbridge Rugby Club

Ipswich YM received the Suffolk Sport Club of the Year award for their performances both on and off the pitch. Winning Promotion and being awarded the RFU’s Whole club Seal of Approval and growing playing numbers from 40-70 were the main reasons for the award.      

The Suffolk Sports Awards hosted by Suffolk Sport, the County Sport Partnership for Suffolk, supported by Suffolk County Council and media partner BBC Radio Suffolk, are designed to reward and celebrate individual excellence, team achievement as well as recognise those people who work tirelessly ‘behind the scenes’…our unsung sporting heroes!

The Suffolk Sports Awards have grown in popularity, distinction and stature since being launched in 2006. The event is seen as Suffolk’s most prestigious Awards Ceremony within the industry, as well as regarded as a key event in Suffolk’s journey towards the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Suffolk Rugby Development Officer, Lee Adamson said, “ Getting  two winners is a fantastic achievement and congratulations to everyone at Woodbridge and Ipswich YM. These are awards are testimony to the great work of rugby volunteers in both clubs. Two winners and four nominations from rugby in Suffolk is a great measure of all the good work that is happening in clubs across Suffolk.” 

Cllr Kathy Gosling, Suffolk County Council Portfolio holder for Sport, Culture, Diversity, Health and Well Being said;

"Many congratulations to all of the winners, and short listed candidates at the Suffolk Sports Awards. As well as the outstanding individuals that perform at a national and international level, this is a great celebration of the grass roots efforts of individuals, volunteers, and well run clubs that give all of us in Suffolk an opportunity to take part in sport at any level. Suffolk continues to develop as an active sporting county and as we approach with anticipation the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, we are well placed to create a fantastic sporting and health legacy here in Suffolk."

Bill Tancred MBE, Chair of Suffolk Sport added

“With the level of commitment, dedication and hard work showed by all the finalists in all the categories, Sport in Suffolk is reaching new heights as we look to create a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Other nominations from Rugby were

Ellen Gattlin - Young Sports Personality of the Year

Ipswich YM – Senior Team of the Year