Fans name halfback Maea as Player of the Year

Halfback Sekope Maea has been named the South Canterbury Rugby Union's Player of the Year.

The 21-year-old was the clear winner ahead of No7 Eric Smith. He was presented with the SCRU Trophy by former All Black great Bryan Williams, who was guest speaker at last night's awards.

The decision was made by the South Canterbury Supporters Club, who use a 3, 2, 1, voting system for each game to find the winner.

Maea scored 16 points to Smith's 12, with most of his points coming early in the season.

No8 Andrew Scarlett, who took over the captaincy from the injured Tristram Johnston, finished third with 10 points.

Overall, 13 players picked up points during the season.

Forward of the Year award went to prop Faiang'a Savieti, who had a double celebration after being named in the national Heartland XV side along with hooker Ben Hewitson.

The Back of the Year award went to wing Maile Iongi, who was also South Canterbury top try scorer with five.

Lock Shannon McRae took out the Bruce McNee Cup for the most promising player.

McRae has been in fine form for the side but the award was a surprise as he debuted for the province in 2004, when he won five caps. McRae's was a double celebration on the night as he was also named the Club Player of the Year.

The Dave Parson Memorial Trophy, for an outstanding contribution by a representative player under 16 and above, went to Heartland fullback Jimmy Owen.

Owen was one of the finds of the season for coaches Ken Wills and Barry Fairbrother and made the fullback spot his own.

Harlequins Barry Booker was named the Club Administrator-Volunteer of the Year, beating a strong field.

Craighead second five-eighth Lucy Anderson took out the big award for the girls, the Hanan Shield Player of the Year.

Charlie Hough won the referee's top award, the Ivan Armishaw Trophy for the greatest contribution on and off the field, while Jimmy Ryan received the Brian Dore Trophy as the most promising referee.

He received his award from international referee Vinny Munro.

The award night at the Landing Services building attracted the biggest crowd in years and was sold out.