RUSSELL Birkett was the star of the evening as Lancaster rugby league club held its annual end of season evening at the Dolly Blue Tavern.

Birkett was the winner of four man of the match awards during the course of the season and it was no surprise as he was announced as the winner of the James Leytham Cup, crowning him as the club's best player for 2004.

In 2003 Birkett featured mainly on the wing. At times he had to contend with starting as a substitute. In 2004 he declared his desire to play in the forwards and it was a switch that brought results no one could have predicted.

Keith Hartlebury, for the second successive season, finished second in the voting with Andy Garnett, Liam Hall and Mark Squires also featuring.

Birkett also picked up the Young Player of the Year title, the trophy for the Most Improved Player and, along with Andy Garnett he topped the most appearances chart by playing in every game of the season.

Garnett retained the Top Points Scorer trophy whilst the Top Try Scorer award was picked up by prolofic wingman Mark Squires, beating Garnett by one try.

Liam Hall was voted as the best forward and Squires the best back. Club treasurer Richard de la Riviere won the Clubman of the Year award.