LEIGH MR had plenty to toast at the end of a celebration season.

And top man Ian Sanderson had so much he could barely carry the trophies!

He took three awards - identifying his leadership, effort and popularity - as he picked up awards from sponsors Welch Mill Cut Glass, the Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year.

The seniors won the Champions Challenge. But it was a season of might-have-beens. They led the league until the turn of the year when a series of narrow defeats wrested the title from their grasp.

Miners' annual prize night included guests of honour Tim Street and Tia Liku from Hilton Park.

And, with a new name (Miners Rangers replacing Miners), there was plenty of joy for the youth and Open Age squads.

The U18s won the Lancashire Cup and were runners-up in the National League.

From their ranks came Player of the Year Stuart Littler, already recognised by BARLA. Richard Hayes was a popular Most Improved Player, while two forwards - Lee Stretch and Gavin Lewis - shared the Golden Boot Trophy for performance and commitment.

The MR Alliance achieved what would have been unthinkable at the start of the campaign by winning both the Division Championship and the Challenge Cup.

Coaches Brian Cleworth and Ian Cumming proudly led Player of the Year Howard Newton and Players Player Stuart Griffiths to their bounty.

The A Team won North West Counties Division Two, providing managers John Simpkin and Mark Wood with great incentive for a new season. Looking forward to next season's opportunities will be double winner Tommy Winstanley, awarded Player of the Year by both coaches and colleagues.

Final award went to Alan Marsh, who took the Rod Raines Shield as Clubman of the Year.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.