SIX hundred and thirty points scored, 15 wins from a possible 16, a place in the last eight of a national competition, two promotions and, now, Sporting Champion of the Year at the East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards.
It has been an impressive year for Preston Lodge RFC, who vanquished the disappointment of relegation to National League Division Three by securing an immediate return to the division above.
Jack Gordon, captain of the side, and Johnston Craig were on hand to pick up the award from former Courier reporter Gregor Millar in Haddington on Thursday night.
Speaking to the Courier, Jack, who guided his team to the league title, said: “Every game was a cup final.
“It was pretty intense and hard on the boys but everyone stuck in.
“We have done amazingly well and I am really proud of everyone but it’s not just those out playing.
“It is all the volunteers, everyone that helps us, the coaches, that help us week in week out.
“We are really happy.”
Preston Lodge RFC (captained by Jack Gordon, pictured) wins the Sporting Champion of the Year Award Host Bryan Burnett at East Lothian Community Champion Awards 2024. Also pictured is the club's Johnston Craig. Image: Gordon Bell
Jack, who works as a sports development officer with East Lothian Council when he is not playing back row for the Prestonpans side, was also in the running for the award.
Joining him as a finalist were motorbike racing star Lewis Rollo, who lives in Gifford, and Musselburgh’s Ross Muir, who plays at the top table on the global snooker stage.
Johnston, who was previously vice-president at the Pennypit club and is regularly cheering on the team from the sidelines, also highlighted the efforts of the club’s second XV, who secured promotion from the East Region Reserve League Division Two.
READ MORE: PICTURE GALLERY: Preston Lodge RFC win National League Division Three
He said: “They did absolutely brilliantly.
“For every player that pulls on a PL jersey on a Saturday, there is somebody behind them.
“Whether that is at the club, a mum, a dad, a girlfriend or a wife, it is really, really important.
“We are very much a community club and are very, very proud to win this.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here