Springsure star recruit Ray Ebsworth has won the 2017 Jim Gallagher Medal at the Central Highlands Rugby League Presentation Luncheon held at the weekend.
The Mountain Men fullback polled a total of 25 votes to claim the prestigious award, edging out Bluff Rabbitohs seasonal campaigner Chris Conway by a mere one vote.
Speaking after accepting the medal, Ebsworth thanked his team mates and club for the year and looks forward to the 2018 season.
“Thanks everyone for a great year,” Ebsworth said.
“A special thanks must go to Warren (Sullivan) for coaching me at Springsure, Matt (Pacey) for his coaching at Central Highlands level and especially my other half, Miranda (Bartley) for putting up with all my injuries and being so supportive throughout the season.
“Congratulations to those who have won awards and I wish everyone all the best for next year’s season.”
Ebsworth also won the Central Highlands Referees’ Best and Fairest with a total of 18 votes ahead of Conway (17 votes).
In the Women’s competition, Blackwater Crushettes’ captain Miranda Davidson won the recently-renamed Rhiannon Rowe Medal with 18 votes, pipping Clermont’s Kailah Rogers and Tigers’ Maddie Edmonds.
Rowe was honoured with naming rights to the award following her determination and contribution to initiating the Central Highlands Open Women’s competition in 2014.
Pat Booker will continue to be acknowledged with a new volunteer award being named in her honour.
Miranda Davidson and Ray Ebsworth with their winning medals.
QRL Central Highlands Operations Manager Cameron Stallard says it’s great to recognise the people who make Rugby League in the Central Highlands successful.
“The Presentation Luncheon is all about celebrating this year’s season and thanking the players and most importantly the club and league officials,” Stallard said.
“I would particularly like to thank fellow League executives Frank Lambley, Katrina Taylor and Tracy McIndoe for their dedication to the game this season, particularly Frank as he retires from the Presidency after three and a half years’ service.
“I congratulate all of the award recipients, particularly Ray and Miranda who have had outstanding seasons and I would also like to congratulate and thank the Central Highlands community for coming out and supporting our players and clubs.
“I hope you have enjoyed the greatest game of all this season.”
2017 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS RUGBY LEAGUE AWARDS
Men's Most Tries: Will Mohr (Clermont Bears) - 16 tries
Women's Most Tries: Miranda Davidson (Blackwater Crushettes) - 15 tries
Men's Most Points: Matt Heidecker (Middlemount Panthers) - 112 points
Women's Most Points: Mariah Storch (Blackwater Crushettes) - 108 points
Men's Representative Player of the Year: Chris Conway (Bluff Rabbitohs)
Under 20's Representative Player of the Year: Will Mohr (Clermont Bears)
Women's Representative Player of the Year: Carly Bell (Clermont Bears)
Pat Booker Volunteer of the Year: Rodney Ohl (Bluff Rabbitohs)
Referee of the Year: Luke Ellery
CH Referees' Player of the Year: Ray Ebsworth (Springsure Mountain Men) – 18 votes
Men's Rookie of the Year: Brodee Barrett (Clermont Bears) - 6 votes
Jim Gallagher Medal: Ray Ebsworth (Springsure Mountain Men) - 25 votes
Women's Rookie of the Year: Maddie Edmonds (Emerald Tigers) - 13 votes
Rhiannon Rowe Medal: Miranda Davidson (Blackwater Crushettes) - 18 votes
