PENRYN Rugby Club enjoyed their best season for over two decades on the pitch, but it was still not enough to attract extra spectators out of their armchairs and up to the Memorial Field.

Club chairman Ken Plummer told the annual meeting that the club had enjoyed a good season, but did not attract an increase in support through the turnstiles.

"It was good to have a successful season, not only with the Ist XV but the 2nd XV right down to the Colts, junior and minis. We just missed out on promotion and were runners-up in the Cornwall Knockout Cup.

"I was disappointed that after our success on the field the Penryn public did not support the team. I know there is a lot of competition, but unfortunately the lack of support has resulted in us having to lose our steward and use volunteer staff.

"Since we took on our coaches, Terry Pryor, in particular, they've done an excellent job for us. Terry's commitment has been absolutely outstanding and I hope that he can take the club forward in the next few seasons. It's also good to see that players want to join Penryn Rugby Club, something we've not seen in the last few years and that bodes well for the future."

He thanked Paul Winnan and Steve Booth for their work with the Colts and congratulated Hugh Vyvyan on being selected for England on their tour to Argentina.

However, he was also critical of the players who, he felt, should support the club, especially with the 200 Club which was launched in April. "I was disappointed by their support," said Mr Plummer "but we do need them to show commitment."

He said support was essential especially as Carrick had increased their rates bill by £3,500, a huge amount for the club to find.

In his report, secretary Mr Peter Webber echoed many of the views of the chairman, especially the general lack of support of volunteers to perform key tasks. "If we cannot get volunteers, people must then expect to pay realistic prices for services provided," he said.

However, in common with the lows, there were plenty of highs as Mr Webber reported that club president Mr Barrie Quintrell had been a guest of the RFU for his services to rugby, Terry Pryor was appointed a selector of the England County XV, and Nick Brokenshire who was Cornwall's coach. Adryan Winnan had played for England at u19 and u21 level and a number of Borough players had been chosen to represent Cornwall at various levels.

But his final message was a return to the subject which he previously talked about in length - support: "To have a successful team on the field we must have infrastructure in place to support them. This is where you come in, volunteer, don't be shy, your club needs you. Let's all rally round."

Rugby secretary Mike Dove said the club had had a great season, but losing the cup final was not as big a disappointment as not winning promotion.

In their report, Mark Bolitho and Paul Smith, who ran the 2nd XV, said a social mentality had crept into 2nd XV rugby which is detrimental to the future of all clubs. They suggested that, perhaps, the way ahead was for the more senior clubs to have a league structure for the 2nd XVs. The 2nd XV playing record was p 29, w 22, l 5, d 2, pts for 957, pts against 301.

The thriving junior and mini sections all provided comprehensive reports

The mini section awards went to - u12s: Players' player, Sam Cooper; most attendance, Jamie McInnes, best all-round team player, Tom Day; most improved player, Robert Trevaskis; Achievement award, Shane Penhaligon.

u10s: Players' player, Edward Pascoe; most attendance, Tian Peacock, Zach Terrell, Robert Banks, best all-round team player, Zach Terrell; most improved player, Houston Russell; Achievement award, Josh Symons.

u9s: Players' player, Jake Bailey; most attendance, Adam Nancholas; best all-round team player, Thomas Hoban; most improved player, William Dale; Achievement award, Keiran Proudfoot.

u8s: Players' player, Joseph Caro; most attendance, Adam Truen; best all-round team player, Declan Packer; most improved player, Ben Proudfoot; Achievement award, Kyren Coulls.