Amateur rugby league By Martin Morgan

Last updated 11:40, Friday, 18 July 2008

MARYPORT ARL stalwart Don Heaney’s huge contribution to the club has been recognised with one of the local game’s highest honours.

Worthy award: Don Heaney with the Bill Whalley Memorial Trophy for services to amateur rugby league

The 70-year-old, labelled irreplaceable by his club, was presented with the Bill Whalley Memorial award at the Cumberland League AGM. He is only the third to be accorded the accolade, given jointly by the Cumberland and the West Cumbria Youth League for services to the game.

“It came out of the blue,” said Don, who had not realised he was to receive the award.

“It’s a great honour for myself, and for the club.”

Don is youth secretary at Maryport and been involved with the club for 13 years. But spokesman Paul Williamson revealed that he had a far-reaching role.

“From Maryport’s perspective, I couldn’t say how important Don is,” he said. “He puts so many hours in, the guy’s irreplaceable.

“If he’s needed, he’s there. We must be the bane of his wife’s life.”

The Maryport squad has started pre-season training. They are running two sides again this year and newcomers are welcome. They train Tuesdays and Thursday at the club from 6.30pm.

The Cumberland League has standardised kick-off times at 2pm throughout the new season.