Last updated at 12:49, Wednesday, 07 October 2009

Andy Gorksi gave his team-mates a laugh at Whitehaven’s presentation night by picking up the award as most improved player – at 28.

Andy Gorski

The back-rower joined Haven from Halifax mid-way through last season, and achieved his aim this term of nailing down a starting place in the second-row, missing just two games all year.

“It’s a booby prize,” Gorski joked. “It got a bit of a laugh from the lads. It’s not something you usually get at my age.

“It usually goes to a young lad breaking through in to the first-team. It was a surprise but I’ll take it nonetheless.

“At least it shows I’ve made some kind of improvement this year.”

The ex-Rochdale skipper, a member of Haven’s development team, coaching youngsters in local schools, is mid-way through a two-year contract and expects another strong showing from the club in 2010.

“We’ve lost a few players, but we have signed a new half-back and I’m sure we’ll make a few more signings. We’ll have to wait and see how everything comes together.

“But I’m confident we’ll do well. Halifax are always tough and have a lot of money to sign players, and Barrow will again be a force.

“Keighley are coming up and I can’t imagine that they will do much. But Dewsbury could be in contention, though not at the very top.

“Only a few points separated the top eight this year, and it will be pretty much the same top teams again next season.”

First published at 11:35, Wednesday, 07 October 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk