By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:10, Tuesday, 04 November 2008

Teenager Dan Holmes landed a double at Carlisle Centurions’ awards night after his outstanding debut season in rugby league.

The Carlisle RU teenager was named young player and newcomer-of-the-year.

“He came in a couple of weeks in to the season and hadn’t played RL before,” said coach Geoff Grieves.

“He turned out to be a good little signing, playing on the wing, though when he learns the game he’ll be able to play in a number of positions.”

Long-time Centurions’ favourite Chris Harris also picked up a couple of trophies from guest Steve Brierley, the ex-Carlisle Borders Raiders star. He was named players-player and defender-of-the-year at The Turf Inn ceremony in Carlisle.

Big-tackling Mike Stephens, who also features for Penrith RU and another in his first season in RL, was named coach’s player, starting the campaign on the wing and graduating to second-row and even prop.

James Sanderson was most improved and Craig Brierley took the trainer-of-the-year accolade.

Dennis Bibby’s storming effort against Peterlee took the try-of-the-year honour and he also lifted the chairman’s trophy.

The club person award went to ex-Workington Town pro Craig Stalker and Andy Holcroft was away-player-of-the-year.

The Centurions ended the campaign as Northern Premier Grand Final winners but missed out on a place in the national final when beaten by Nottingham Outlaws.

“It ended up a good season but could have been better,” Grieves added. “At last I thought we could break the hoodoo and get through to the national final, but in the semi we didn’t get the side out we wanted due to injuries and work commitments. It was one of those days.”