Chester Gladiators were in celebratory mood this weekend after being named as the Impact Sports RL Merit League Club of the Year for 2008.

The award is presented annually to the club who are felt to have made the most valuable contribution to the success of the league over the course of the season.

The Gladiators, who were formed earlier this year with the objective of bringing the sport of Rugby League back to Chester, ended their inaugural campaign in tenth position and finished their season with a comprehensive 66-14 defeat of Wolverhampton Warlords at Hare Lane.

Two members of the Gladiators playing squad had extra cause for celebration as both 16-year-old fullback Bud Skinkis and forward Martin Cormack were named in the leagues annual Dream Team whilst Chairman Jim Green was presented with the Pioneer of the Year award by league representative Tim Fellows
.
"It's a fantastic achievement for the club and we are already looking forward to the 2009 season," revealed Green.

"The team's performances improved dramatically over the course of the season and we are making some excellent progress off the field too."

The club, with the support of Super League outfit Warrington Wolves, are planning on launching a junior section in 2009 and are particularly keen to hear from the parents or guardians of any youngsters who may be interested in experiencing Rugby League.

For more information about the club please visit www.chestergladiators.com or contact info@chestergladiators.com.