WIDNES ARL held their awards presentation after the finals at the Halton Stadium.

These are based on nominations by club secretaries and were hosted by Widnes ARL president Bernard McKeown and presented by Finnforest's Widnes works manager Mike Lomas.

First awards went to three players who have played amateur rugby league for 10 consecutive years.

Simmies second row John Bowles, St Maries prop Will Tilleke and Farnworth's Gary Vernon.

The next awards went to two players who have achieved the remarkable feat of playing open-age amateur rugby league for 20 years. The first recipient was Farnworth's Mark Douglas.

Mark started his career at Widnes St Bedes and has represented and coached the Widnes open age town team.

Since his move to Farnworth he has continued to serve amateur rugby league and played a key role in Farnworth A's success this season.

The other recipient was Simmies centre Kel McGeiver.

Kel is a strong running centre who has strong defence and captained the side to success in recent years.

Referees were recognised for their services to the game with Stephen Jones, Paul O'Brien and Malcolm Smith all getting awards.

A further service award was made to league secretary Ian Woodward who received the John Burke Memorial trophy.

There was a unanimous winner of the youth player of the year award, St Maries U18s Stuart Martin. His closest challenger was teammate Leighton Smith.

The open age player of the year was more closely contested but the prestigious award went to Simmies stand off Neil Percival .

Among the contenders were Widnes Albion's Danny Ruth and Gary Richardson, Farnworth full back Andy Saywell, St Maries, Karl O'Doherty and Duncan Potts and Simmies Keith Newton and Paul Roberts.

Simmies still have the chance for further glory on Saturday when they meet Bold Miners in the final of the NWC Premiership cup at St Maries.