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Season Review

Garforth's season could not have got off to a worse start as they lost their coach Andy Daw, captain Phil Watson and first team Manager Tom Fletcher the week before the season was due to start, with all 3 leaving after a poor pre-season.

Despite the set back the Mighty Forth able to secure their first point of the campaign with a 10-10 draw against Burley.

However after this draw three defeats followed before they were able to secure victory at home to Northallerton.

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However the revival was short lived as three more consecutive defeats followed resulting in the departure of new coach Chris Hayward.

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With just three points secured from a possible 16 and laying rock bottom of the division Garforth appointed Adi Horwell as the club's new player/coach.

And the improved team spirit and unity showed from the offset with victory against York RI.

This was the start of an eight league game unbeaten run which show the Mighty Forth concede only nine tries over the winter period.

The Mighty Forth's unbeaten run came to an end when Thornensians edged a narrow victory thanks to two late tries, however Garforth bounced back with three comprehensive victories over York RI, Hornsea and Halifax Vandals.

As the end of the season approached Garforth found themselves playing 3 games in just seven days including a 17-18 defeat at Yorkshire 3 champions West Park Leeds in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy.

The overload of games proved too much for the small squad and the season finally ended in a controversial 14-15 defeat at Burley.

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Garforth finished the season in sixth place with positive points difference and 10 wins against only nine defeats an improvement on the previous seasons efforts.

At the end of season presentation evening Garforth RUFC 2008-09 awards went to

Player of the Year: Simon Horwell
Most Improved Player of the Year: James Baldwin
Clubman of the Year: Jonny Fallas
Presidents Award: Mick Daly
Unsung Hero Award: John Daw

* Garforth are now looking forward to next season and will be looking to continue under coach Adi Horwell with pre-season getting under way on Monday, June 15 2009 at Garforth Community College.