AT the St Helens Combination's annual general meeting president Bert Rawsthorne congratulated the management team, referees and clubs for completing what became a very difficult ending to the 2000/1 season.

Besides the already finalised league championships and cup finals, several presentations were made by the president.

The Tom Gordon Presidents Memorial Cup for sporting and administrative top marks went to Eccleston United, the Saturday 'Referee of The Year' trophy went for the fifth time to Denis Deluce, and the Sunday 'Referee of The Year' award was won by David Forber.

Meanwhile, the Combination, has decided to pull out of the Open-Age North West Inter League Alliance but will still retain interest in both the Liverpool CFA and the Lancashire FA Youth Inter-League competitions.

The management committee were returned as follows: chairman -- Eric Bond; hon. secretary - David Watkins; treasurer - Derek Cleveland; vice-chairman - Bernard Teebay.

Bill Roberts again looking after the fixtures and competitions, John Goodwin is referees appointment secretary and the club representatives will be John Armitage (Eccleston Utd); David Howarth (Gerard Arms); Mitchell Tabern (Sutton Heath Panthers). A neutral member accepted will be Mr Philip Parr.

The Sunday Division will now be under the supervision of the experienced John Pennington.