HOOKER Gareth Miles was a deserved winner of Hereford RFC's player of the year award, presented to him at the well attended annual dinner.

The mobile hooker demonstrated his eye for an opening by claiming 11 tries in all during the season, an amazing tally for a member of the front-row union.

Young lock-forward Robby Atkinson carried off the most improved player award, with former player, co-opted committee member and sponsorship organiser Pat James receiving the clubman of the year award. The Media Cup went to club captain Jason Lewis.

Place-kicker Jeremy Wheadon, who played at fly-half, full-back and winger in the service of his club, was again Hereford's top points scorer in league and cup games with a tally of 138 points.

Last season he totalled 161 but he did not figure on the scoresheet again after February 12 this year after missing the end of the season with a jaw injury.

Hereford's other place kicker, Finbar Heavens, missed the first part of the campaign and, after opening his account at the end of January, went on to collect 97 points.

Miles was the top try scorer, crossing the line successfully on 10 occasions in league and cup, five more than second-placed winger Danny Gonberra.

Hereford finished eighth in the RFU League Midlands 1 with 268 points for and 273 against and played in eight cup games with 201 for and 87 against. They reached the fourth round of the NPI Cup and were North Midlands Cup beaten finalists.

Leading scorers: 138 pts Jeremy Wheadon 1 try, 14 cons, 35 pens; 97 pts Finbar Heavens 2 tries, 4 drop-goals, 18 cons, 13 pens; 50 pts Gareth Miles 10 tries; 25 pts Danny Gomberra 5 tries; 20 pts Jason Lewis 4 tries; 15 pts Pete Evans 3 tries, Chris Fairley 3 tries; 10 pts Kieron Griffiths, Simon Lewis, Richard Turner, Paul Woodall.