Cowling Harlequins have been rewarded the Pennine League team of the year award in recognition of their commitment.

The side finished rock bottom of Division Six last season, losing 15 of their 16 games and conceding more than 1,100 points.

But club organisers refused to throw in the towel and, despite often struggling for players, always fielded a team. The prestigious award puts Quins alongside top clubs like Sharlston Rovers and Wibsey Warriors as winners of the accolade.

Darren Greenwood, who runs the club along with his dad Stan, said: “It was a complete surprise. We weren’t expecting anything and I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the league.

“The award is for keeping the team going when it looked like we might fold as we were struggling for players.

“We might have conceded over 1,000 points but we love the club and wanted to keep it going for the lads and to get people back into rugby league.

“Some clubs have youth set-ups to recruit from whereas we have to do it on the street, in pubs and clubs or in the supermarket.”

Greenwood (pictured with Stan) said the club wanted to introduce players to the sport, even if some have then left to join neighbouring teams higher up the league ladder.

He added: “Silsden won Division Four last year and five players started with Cowling, while a couple are at Keighley. It’s just about getting them into rugby league.”

The club trains on Wednesdays (6.30pm) at Burgess Fields in Keighley.

Clare Dixon won club person of the year in the Championship for Keighley, who also won the Pennine League fair play award.