LEE Paterson has topped off a wonderful debut year with hometown York City Knights by being named the club's Player of the Year.

The accolade, as voted for by his team-mates, was bestowed on the 24-year-old at the Knights' presentation evening in the Voltigeur Suite at York Racecourse.

Loose-forward Paterson, the former New Earswick All Blacks junior who joined from Keighley Cougars in the closed season, went through the campaign without scoring a try but has been consistently impressive over his 22 appearances.

He also memorably scored the match-winning late goals in the LHF National League Two title-clinching victory at Hunslet a month ago.

Paterson may also be in the running for the LHF National League Two Player of the Year award, though those nominations will not be revealed until Monday.

Team-mates Peter Fox and Paul Thorman won the Most Tries and Most Points awards respectively, the former having set a new club record of 25 tries in a season, while Mick Cook collected a special coach's award. Prop Adam Sullivan was also presented with his Evening Press/Collier Plant Hire Player of the Year gong at the plush night to remember.

The Clubman of the Year award, meanwhile, went to supporter Dave Edwards, the valued volunteer who runs the Knights' official website and is the club's photographer.

Updated: 08:56 Saturday, September 24, 2005