Former England and British Lion hooker Mark Regan was the star turn as Alton Rugby Club brought down the curtain on a triumphant season with a lively end-of-season dinner.

Alton's senior sides enjoyed one of the finest years in their 80-year history, with the 1st XV clinching the Hampshire One title and the 2nds running out Merit 2 champions, the two teams losing just a single game in the process.

Regan joined in the party, doling out the silverware and giving an impromptu question-and-answer session to an appreciative, and occasionally raucous, audience.

The big winner of the evening was giant goal-kicking number eight Will Ford, who finished leading points-scorer (with 144), including eleven tries. But it was Ford's inspirational performances in the closing ten games that made him the overwhelming choice of his fellow players.

Hooker Luke Parratt won the coaches' award for his all-round contribution to the squad - head coach Jonathan Arundel singled him out for his commitment to training and high level of performances on the park.

Chris Cox was named most improved player after forcing his way into the first-team back-row and staying there, while the retiring Sam Law was named veteran of the year. Law started each of Alton's 20 league matches and provided a steadying influence to a young back division.

Centre Adam Grant was named 2nd XV player of the year and the 'spirit of rugby' award was handed to Jon Crothers. A regular in the second row for the 2s, Crothers was also rewarded for his work on the coaching staff.

Colts playing gongs were given to Rob Martin and Alex Masters, with prop Ben Ashbee picking up a 'long service' medal.