Game Face Award: Richard Cockerill is an habitual contender in this category, but even The Boss is no match for Graham Kitchener. On the run he looks terrifying, no matter how many defenders stand between him and The Tig.
Hand-Off Award: This belongs to Adam Thompstone. Just ask any defender who decides to go high on the Tigers wing. Ed Slater is another master of the hand-off, pushing off defenders while he looks for support on the ball, but Thommo takes this one for the backs – not least for his work in the build-up to THAT Dan Bowden try.
In The Line Of Fire Award: Julian Salvi’s face. And knees. And head. Awesome at the breakdown, where his own safety comes a poor second to the thirst for possession.
Hard Yards Award: Jordan Crane. No one better at getting the team going forward in those essential hard yards. To do it after a full year out injured is a tribute to the man.
Programme Column of the Year: George Chuter. Again. Give him next season’s award now too.
Leicester Tigers TV award: Geordan is always a favourite, even when he answers his phone mid-interview. Julian Salvi dominates the out-take file but is also great company in front of the camera. But it is Geoff Parling’s often surreal conversations that provide the best clips.
Like He’s Never Been Away Award: Jordan Crane, for all the reasons outlined above, and Tom Croft who has come back from an injury which was narrowly short of being as serious as it gets in the game to show his best form. Also, when he gets the game-time, Brett Deacon who never shirks putting his body on the line for his hometown club.
Bouncing Like A Rubber Ball Award: Mathew Tait. ‘Cherubic’ or ‘coltish’ depending on which national newspaper you read, don’t be fooled by the boyish good looks, he’s as tough as old boots. Just look at how many times he gets knocked down and gets back up again. Not one to be bullied on the pitch.
Geordan Murphy Award: After 16 seasons, Magic Murphy obviously gets his own gong. It’s thoroughly well deserved.
Silent Assassin Award: For being at heart of everything good about the team, and for felling anything that comes his way, no matter how big or how heavy, the winner is Anthony Allen. As important as anyone in the matchday squad.
Legendary Status Award: To every one of the 16,000 who turned up to support Louis Deacon and Matt Hampson at the Legends match at Welford Road. The men on the pitch had already earned legendary status and the support on the day showed what they mean to those of us on the touchlines.
Best Supporting Roll: Geoff Parling’s beard, officially the sexiest beard in the world, a title shared by George Clooney’s.
Sartorial Elegance Award: Doc Newey’s flatcap, perched on the touchlines and ready to tend to the sick and the needy at short notice. Available in brown (traditional) or grey (racy and modern).
Golden Wedding Award: Richard Cockerill and Matt O’Connor. Cockers refers to it as a “forced marriage” and there is no doubt guidance counsellors would have their hands full at times, but it works. They appear to have the same appetite for success and the same passion for the team.
