Jean's dream final thankyou

Sep 6 2007 Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News

AN outstanding servant of rugby league has described the moment she took the big stage at Wembley as the thrill of a lifetime.

Widnes-born Jean Girvin, registration secretary and results/press officer of the open-age Mark Norris Construction Services North West Counties League, was named League Volunteer of the Year by the Rugby Football League.

And she received her prize during the Carnegie Challenge Cup final in which St Helens defeated Catalans Dragons 30-8 as the annual showpiece event returned to Wembley after its rebuild.

Jean was accompanied by her husband and fellow Widnesian Ron, the NWC League's stalwart secretary, plus sons Ian and Neil, who are also heavily involved in the running of the regional competition as treasurer and fixture secretary, respectively.

Jean, who was born within a few hundred yards of Widnes RLFC's old Naughton Park ground (now the Vikings' Halton Stadium home), said: 'It was just one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

'I've been to the old Wembley many times but you never dream that one day you will walk out on the turf for a presentation.

'We had a pre-match lunch in the Grand Hall, which gives quite a spectacular view of the area.

'The stadium is magnificent - although trying to get on to the VIP car park took more than an hour!

'Ten minutes before half-time we were escorted down to the tunnel and as the players came off, we went on to receive the awards from (RFL executive chairman) Richard Lewis.'

Jean grew up in Mond Road and her husband in Henderson Road.

Both former pupils of Wade Deacon Grammar (now High) School, the couple still have many friends in Widnes although they have lived in Up Holland, West Lancs, since 1963.

Jean's award was one of six presented for various roles.

'I felt privileged as the only Lancastrian among the winners,' she added.

'It's quite a thrill to hear your name announced and then receive the award.

'It's a great idea that volunteers throughout the game can be honoured in this way. The RFL and BARLA have come up with a real winner here.

'None of us look for rewards, we just enjoy serving the great game, but a bit of recognition is really appreciated.'

Jean has held posts in the NWC League for more than 20 years.

The award winners were chosen by an independent panel after winning honours at Rugby League Service Area level.

Jean admitted: 'The game was a bit of a disappointment although I don't think anyone expected a classic.

'One of the problems with us having to go down to the tunnel ten minutes before half-time, was we missed the first three tries - but it was worth it.

'We saw quite a few of the old players before the game.

'It was great to be there knowing that Ron and the lads were in the stand - all it needed was for Widnes to be collecting the cup.'

As she prepared for the NWC kick-off last Saturday, Jean added: 'Now it's back to reality and registering 2,500 players!'