A black tie affair with over 400 people in attendance gathered in its usual home of Newcastle’s Civic Centre to celebrate the efforts and achievements of athletes and clubs from across Tyne & Wear and the local area.

Having celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, Sport Newcastle introduced a new award to take it forward for the next 50 years.

The newly minted Malcom Dix Trophy is awarded to the Sporting Success of the Year, recognising a moment of outstanding achievement across all sports in the region.

As the final award of the night, it was in the build up to the announcement of the eventual winner that Cramlington Rockets’ winning of the RFL National Club of the Year award was named as one of the region’s greatest achievements.

The England debut of Newcastle Falcons’ Mark Wilson was also given as example of excellence before the eventual winner of Close House golf club for their hosting of the British Masters was revealed.

The evening had also seen Rockets U16, Alex Donaghy named a Sport Newcastle Rising Star, and coach Jordan Robinson, Chairman Jeff Ball and Community Manager, Steve Beaty were in attendance to see him collect his award.

“We were so proud to see Alex take the stage and represent Cramlington Rockets” said Ball.

“Alex and everyone at the club has put in a lot of work in the last few years to ake us a leader at what we do and winning RFL Club of the Year was clearly a significant moment for us and North East Rugby League.

“To be mentioned therefore in the same breath as the other is a tremendous honour that we really appreciate.

Anyone that attended the Masters will fully agree is was a tremendous occasion that the whole region should be proud of. They were very worthy winners and we were honoured to be in the room with them and so many other leading sport clubs.”