PLAYERS and officials were honoured after another successful season in the Trowbridge Windows and Conservatories-sponsored Trowbridge & District League during their AGM and presentation evening at the Wesley Road Club in Trowbridge.

Five new teams will be joining the league for the 2019-20 season, which will result in two divisions of 11 sides each.

It was also announced that Trowbridge Windows and Conservatories will continue their long standing sponsorship of the league, a relationship that goes back to the start of the 2010-11 season.

The league committee will have a new chairman and vice-chairman next season after Roly Hill and Phil Senior decided to step down from their roles and a small presentation took place in appreciation of a remarkable combined 85 years commitment to the league.

Sam Gooding is to take over as chairman, with Alan Thompson appointed as vice-chairman.

The presentations followed the AGM, with league president Ian Hibbard and referee secretary Andy Meaden presenting the awards.

The first award of the evening was given to Cliff Amor, who was awarded a life vice-presidents position following a 20-year commitment to the league.

The winner of the Eddie Meaden Referees Award, presented to the best up-and-coming new or young referee each season, was given to David Kemmery.

Neville Dennett picked up the John McMakin Referees Award, which is presented annually in memory of McMakin who died in May 2013 at the age of 58. Neville Dennett was given the award in recognition of his service and commitment to the league over a number of seasons.

Semington Magpies duo Martin Bray and Bobby Mitchell picked up the Secretary of the Year Award.

Division Two side The Stiffs were rewarded for their fair play efforts, winning the overall Dudley Cradock sportsmanship award picking up a cheque for £100.

Calne Eagles also collected a £100 cheque for winning the Division One sportsmanship prize, repeating their efforts from last season.

Hilperton United finished as runners-up in the sportsmanship class in Division One, picking up a cheque for £75, with Heytesbury third and winning £50.

In Division Two, the £75 runners-up cheque went to Aces, with the £50 for third place going to Zeals.

The overall winner of Club Linesman Award went to Matt Rusling from Division One champions Holt. The Division Two winners were Aces.

Both Luke Murden, of Hilperton United, and Brett Fairclough, of Calne Town Reserves, were rewarded for their goal scoring exploits.

Murden bagged an impressive 25 league goals in Division One last season, with Fairclough setting Division Two alight with a haul of 27.

The 2019-20 season will kick off on Saturday, September 7, with 22 teams competing over two divisions.

With Holt being promoted to the Wiltshire League, Division One looks wide open next season.

Freshford United will be looking to go one better than last year but will find strong competition again from Hilperton, Heytesbury and Devizes Town Reserves, who are joining from the Wiltshire League.

Promoted sides Warminster United, Calne Town Reserves and Marshfield will be looking to establish themselves in the top flight, with remaining sides Melksham Town A, Semington Magpies, Three Daggers and Warminster Town Reserves all looking to improve on last season.

In Division Two, four new teams – Barford Hornets, Dilton Marsh Wanderers, KEW PR and Staverton United – will be hoping for success, while relegated sides Calne Eagles and Trowbridge Town Reserves will be aiming to bounce back to Division One at the first attempt.

After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, Westbury United Development will be sure to challenge again this season, pushed hard by Aces, while The Stiffs, Seend United (formerly Spencers) and Greyhound will be looking to improve.