IT'S not often that a player who made his debut 50 years previously is still at that very same club to collect the clubman of the year award half a century later.

However, that was the case at Mawnan Football Club's 70th anniversary dinner and presentation evening at the Green Lawns Hotel, Falmouth, on Friday evening when chairman David Rickard was presented with the John Christophers Clubman of the year cup.

There to present the cup to David, who earlier in the season was presented with a gold medal by the Football Association for 50 years' service to Mawnan Football Club, was the club president Jean Christophers. Jean reminded the chairman that she could remember when he was just a young boy and was put on the shoulders of players to lift the nets off the goalpost hooks.

David collected the award exactly two decades after winning it for the first time and it was the highlight of the evening.

Barry Christophers, one of several of John Christophers's sons who has played for the club, told the guests that in the club's 70th anniversary season, the award for clubman of the year was "no contest" and congratulated David on his 50 years with the club.

He also reflected on the passing of the late Dickie Robertson, a previous player, manager and winner of the award in 1991, who left everyone with so many wonderful memories, especially the veterans games with Wadebridge Town.

Gregg Renfree won the players' player of the year award, the third time he has won the Ron Sara trophy. Gregg was a previous winner in 1988 and 2000.

Rob Eccleston won the Stan Jackson 2nd XI players' award and the W C Rowe young player of the year trophy went to Stefan Churcher who has completed his first season since sustaining a broken leg several seasons ago.

Gregg Renfree, the Ist XI manager, presented his player of the year award to Chris Earl and the 2nd XI manager, Jason Renfree, presented his award to Ryan Whitbread.

Both teams presented gifts to the managers and their assistants for their hard and much-valued work over the season.

The Old Gits' award, made by the club's after-match chefs, went to Glenn Fortune.

Around 90 guests attended an occasion that saw five lucky players winning cheques for £50 each from the end-of-season club draw.

The evening was completed in style with entertainment by the legendary Johnny Cowling.