By John Walsh

Last updated 11:38, Thursday, 15 May 2008

CREIGHTON rugby union club has appointed a new player-coach with Graham Kidd joining them from neighbours Carlisle.

Creighton chairman John Rogers said: “We are delighted to welcome Graham on board. He wants to gain some experience to help his coaching career and we are more than happy to help him in that respect.

“In return we gain an up and coming young coach and a player of quality who I am sure will enhance our club. Graham will have overall charge of all playing matters.”

Meanwhile at the club’s presentation event flanker Danny Smithson was awarded their player of the yYear accolade.

But Smithson will miss the start of the season through suspension having picked up a six-week ban from September 1 for verbally abusing a referee.

The Cumbria RFU disciplinary panel took into account the one-week ban previously imposed by the Creighton club.

Captain Matt Rogers picked up two trophies - top try scorer and chairman's player of the year while most improved player went to flanker Chris Scott.

Evergreen prop Brett Ashbridge deservedly collected the clubman of the year trophy and Kevin Platt was second XV player of the year.

In the Colts section the coaches’ award went to Steven Dewdney, the players player of the year was Rob Brumfit and the most improved player was Jonathan Little.