DAVID Buckley was given a big leaving present as he was named The Press/K Walker & Co Player of the Year for York City Knights.

The Australian, who returns to his homeland this autumn after three years with the Knights, pipped player-coach Paul March to the prestigious gong.

Both of them had finished on level points at the top of the leaderboard, with Buckley, who has played everywhere in the pack, winning on count-back having achieved more man-of-the-match awards during the season.

The accolade was announced last night as part of the Knights’ plush end-of-season presentation ceremony at York Racecourse.

David March and Danny Ratcliffe were the big winners in the club awards, with the former being named the Players’ Player of the Year – the top gong – while the latter picked up three other accolades.

Paul March was magnanimous after hearing he had been pipped to The Press/K Walker & Co gong.

He said: “He deserves it. He’s had three good years here and he’s been consistent all season. He’s led from the front when he’s had to and he’s had a new role as well, as on-field captain which he has carried out very well. We wish him all the best for whatever he does back home.”

As well as the trophy, Buckley received £400 courtesy of the competition sponsors, Pocklington-based K Walker & Co Accountants. Second-placed March was handed a £150 runners-up prize, while third place and £50 went to David March. Ken Walker handed out these awards.

Player-boss March also said his brother was a deserving winner of the Players’ Player award, as voted for by his team-mates.

“I think he’s been outstanding all year,” he said. “He’s been consistent for us and when he plays the team plays well. For him to get this award shows that the players have the utmost respect for him.”

Second place in this poll went to Ross Divorty, with Buckley third.

Ratcliffe picked up three of the other four first-team awards.

He was the club’s Top Points-Scorer with 17 tries and 41 goals giving him a total of 150 points, finishing ahead of goalkicking Adam Mitchell, who totalled a whopping 106 points in just eight appearances after signing for the run-in. Third place was shared by Ryan Esders and Paul March, on 56.

Ratcliffe also collected the club’s Top Try-Scorer award. He had ended the season one behind Lee Mapals, but the latter has left the club. In second was Paul March, with 14, with Steve Lewis third with 12.

Former Dewsbury academy full-back Ratcliffe, 21, also lifted the Try of the Season gong for his effort in the away Northern Rail Cup game at Gateshead.

The other nominees were Tom Hodgson, who finished off a wonderful team try in the away National League Two match at Workington, and winger Johnny Waldron, for his individual effort in the Challenge Cup tie against Halfiax.

Hodgson, 20, also collected the Most Improved Player award, ahead of Lewis and Steve Grundy.

Hodgson, a former New Earswick amateur, started the season in the academy but became a first-team regular midway through the campaign ending the year with ten tries from 15 appearances as interchange hooker.

The Academy Player of the Year award went to loose-forward Danny Walton, while the Clubperson of the Year award went to Barrie Gargan, the academy’s assistant-coach.

Gargan, who has also coached scholarship players, also helps out with the first-team doing various tasks such as water carrying, pre-match massages and occasional kitman duties.