South Essex based Gridiron team end nightmare season (From Thurrock Gazette)

Presentation night for Spartans

6:21pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in Sport

AMERICAN FOOTBALL: ESSEX Spartans officially ended their season with their annual presentation evening to celebrate the efforts made by both players and coaches during one of their most difficult seasons.

It’s been a nightmare season on the pitch for the south Essex based Spartans, who had to endure nine losses and only one victory. With retiring general manager Tony Palmer overseeing the presentation, the first awards to be presented were the linemen of the year, in association with the Spartans sponsor, Ed’s Easy Diner.

That award went to Gavin Price, with Lawrence Reid being awarded defensive lineman of the year.

Offensive rookie of the year went to Liam Mills, with James Jackson collecting defensive rookie of the year.

Most improved player for 2012 was won by Ryan Towey and clubman of the year was awarded to Steve Watson.

Special teams most valuable player went to Will Steel, defensive most valuable player to Nick Mayer, and Paul Cossu emerged with the offensive most valuable player, and overall Spartans most valuable player 2012.

Awards also went to the Spartans’ excellent coaching staff of Marc Saunders, Sean Benton, Kieron Goymer, Simeon Clarke, Chris Hunt, and Steve Mitchell, along with statistician Lisa Millar.

The Spartans also presented Sue Palmer with a bouquet of flowers as a thank-you for all her hard work behind the scenes, and Tony Palmer was presented with an engraved watch to thank him for his 27 years of dedication to the organisation.

The Spartans will being their 2013 campaign with player trials, which will be held on November 11 and 18.

For details visit website www.essexspartans.co.uk