ANDY Penny says he is “stunned and humbled” to have collected the Coach of the Year prize at the North West Men’s League awards dinner.

The Woolston Rovers A joint-boss runs the team alongside Steve Moore and the duo have overseen an unprecedented year of success at Monks Sports Club.

The team won all four competitions they were entered for in 2017, including promotion to the NWML Division Three for next year.

Penny says he has been “blessed” with the group of players he has had at his disposal and also paid tribute to colleague Moore.

“I am absolutely stunned and humbled to be named Coach of the Year, considering how many other worthy coaches there are within the NWML,” he said.

“A coach is nothing without a good set of players and we have been blessed with them this year.

“I also would not have been in the position to get this award without the help I have got from my good friend Steve Moore.

“He has been with me on the touchline every step of the way and it really has been a team effort.

“It has been a great season and this has just topped it off nicely.”

Meanwhile, Woolston Rovers Green under 15s skipper Connor Wrench has been named North West Counties player of the year in his age group.

Wrench, a regular in the Warrington Wolves under 16s side and an England under 15s international, jointly won the award with Oldham St Annes’ Sam Thackaray.

“This lad is very special,” team manager Michelle Geritas said of Wrench.

“He’s clever and dangerous with a ball. The focus and hard work that he has put in for a number of years is really paying off and we are all delighted for him.

“He is one step ahead of the opposition and takes his mates to the field week in, week out as our captain.”

Rovers’ open age and under 18s teams have also held their annual presentation night, with Wire icon Ben Westwood handing out the prizes.

For the second year in a row, Ryan Brown won the NCL side’s player of the year award, with Matt Clarke taking the player’s player award.

Adam Files took the player’s player and player of the year awards for the all-conquering NWML side as well as scooping the club try-scoring award having crossed 21 times in 2017.

Kieran Moore scooped a similar double for the under 18s side and also won the young player of the year award.