Mid Wales League awards see Berriew and Borth claim two
The annual awards for the Spar Mid Wales League were announced and it was Berriew and Borth who jointly claimed the most awards.
With the winners collecting their prizes at the league’s AGM meeting on 19th June at Llanidloes Golf Club. The awards included Manager of the season, Player of the Season and Top goalscorer for each of the two divisions.
Spar Mid Wales Division 1
Manager of the Season – Gareth Hughes/ Jason Samuel (Rhayader Town)
Joint managers of Rhayader Town Gareth Hughes and Jason Samuel took home the Manager of the Year award for Mid Wales’ top tier after leading the Redkites to the League title and promotion back to the Huws Gray Alliance at the first attempt.
Rhayader rarely found themselves lower than the top of the division, losing only three games, and fought off stiff competition from Berriew and Carno to secure the title with one game remaining.
Player of the Season – Karl Seliaerts (Berriew)
After winning the Division 2 player of the season award for 2015/16 in Berriew’s title winning campaign, Karl Seliarts took Division 1 by storm in 2016/17, forming a prolific strike partnership with Richard Davies as Berriew exceeded expectations and went toe-to-toe with Rhayader fighting for the title, only to fall short in the final weeks of the season.
Seliarts, the former Llanidloes player, spent the season deployed in the number 10 role and chipped in consistently with goals and assists in all competitions, scoring 28 and setting up 27 in just 39 appearances.
Top Goalscorer – Richard Davies (Berriew)
One of the emerging stars of the season, Richard Davies scored an incredible 42 goals for the Rhiewsiders, including 36 in Spar competitions. Davies hit hot form on regular occassions throughout the campaign, at one stage netting three hat tricks in a row as he and Berriew hit top form before Christmas.
The season was capped off with the winning goal in the Spar League Cup final, as Berriew lifted the trophy with a 1-0 victory over Llanrhaedr.
Spar Mid Wales Division 2
Manager of the Season – Joe Andrew (Kerry)
After coming agonisingly close to promotion in recent seasons, Joe Andrew finally returned Kerry to the heights of Mid Wales football as they secured much-deserved Division 2 glory.
The Lambs lived up to their tag of pre-season favourites and consistently performed during the season, losing only three games and winning the league by six points. Kerry’s away form proved decisive, as they collected 30 points out of a possible 36 on their travels, which included the memorable feat of being the only side to beat Dolgellau Athletic at home all season.
Player of the Season – Ryan Davies (Borth United)
The most consistent player in Division 2 during 2016/17, Ryan Davies propelled Borth into title contention with his goals, assists and all-round play. The Crows’ forward had been a consistent goal scorer in previous years, but took his game to another level this season and was the instigator behind Borth’s rise. He finished the season with 21 goals in all competitions as Borth finished third and reached the semi-final of the ER Jenkins Cup.
Top Goalscorer – Liam Lewis (Borth United)
Liam Lewis emerged as one of the best goal scorers in the division, forming a formidable partnership up front with league player of the season Ryan Davies. Lewis would end up with 26 goals, with 22 in the league, as Borth achieved their best season in the Mid Wales Leagues.
Lewis’ season was littered with crucial goals, including a hat trick in a 5-5 draw with Newbridge-on-Wye and a last minute winner at Builth Wells. The exploits of Ryan Davies and Liam Lewis have helped Borth United gain promotion despite missing out on the top two, as they have been granted a well deserved promotion due to a drop out from Division 1.
(Featured Image: Berriew FC)
