A WELL attended dinner at the Monk Bar Hotel saw New Earswick All Blacks celebrate their 21st anniversary in style.

Ex-All Black and retired York City Knights hero Rich Hayes was guest of honour, presenting the first team awards.

The players' player of the year gong went to hard-working prop Jamie Daniels, while the coaches' player award went to centre Dan Wellard. The most improved accolade went to senior player Mark Boitouit, who had his best season with the club, and the top try-scorer award jointly went to Ben Jones and Matt Goddfrey, who scored 14 each.

The night also kickstarted the fund-raising for the season ahead with a raffle and a small auction including the club's new Polar Ford-sponsored home and away strips for the 2004-05 campaign.

The 2004-05 launch night will be held on June 24 with the first light pre-season training session being followed by a barbecue and presentation of the players' squad T-shirts.

Updated: 10:00 Tuesday, June 08, 2004