One of the stars of Crewe & Nantwich RUFC ladies team has been shortlisted in the national Player of the Year awards.
Forward Cherie Davies played a vital role in the team’s success last season which saw them gain promotion to Championship 2 North West.
Now she could scoop a national honour just a year after her team captain Mollie Latham was crowned with the same national accolade.
She said: “When I found out I was one of six finalists to make it to the National Woman’s Player of the Year awards in August, I honestly thought it was wind up!
“I had no idea I’d even been nominated. I won the Players’ Player of the year in May and I’m still in shock at that.
“There are so many great people in my team I feel honoured to be considered for this award.
Cherie started playing in 2014 after years of standing on the sidelines watching either her husband Martin or one of her three children playing.
“When I heard that Crewe & Nantwich ladies was starting a team I think it was a case if you can’t beat them join them!” she added.
“I’ve always been in to sport and have played netball for many years but was really looking forward to getting into rugby, especially contact.
“It is the best thing I’ve ever done and I absolutely love it.
“There is no feeling like running out on the pitch on a Sunday surrounded by your mates knowing that it’s going to hurt like hell but you know you’ll do it all again next week!”
Team captain Mollie Latham was full of praise for Cherie and said she deserves the nomination.
She said: “After a fantastic season with success on and off the pitch in which we have gained promotion into the Championship and won the National Plate, it’s an honour to have our success recognised in the National Awards.
“Both the team and Cherie thoroughly deserve their finalist places, and to win would be the cherry on top of the cake!”
Ladies coach Matt Baty said: “Her sense of teamship, love of the squad environment, her competitiveness, physicality and sense of humour embody what Crewe and Nantwich RUFC Ladies is all about.
“Cherie’s role in the wider club has been vital.
“She has been a relentless fundraiser and rabble rouser for events, running successful raffles, collecting money from players and promoting dinners and socials that are important to the club’s success.
“As a role model to younger players, Cherie is invaluable. She is simply hilarious, blessed with a comic timing and quirky view of the world that can diffuse any tense situation.
“In a highly successful season for the team, capped by league and plate victories, but brought back down to earth by player and coach departures, we value Cherie more than ever.
“She won’t be a typical choice for Player of the Year, but to recognise someone who lives and breaths rugby’s values, represents what rugby is for the majority of people who play for a club each week despite their busy lives, limited playing contribution and modest ambitions, you won’t find a better, nor more appreciative recipient.”
How very strange… I’ve seen an RUFC post which states the nomination was the season’s team’s captain, India Perris-Redding??