COUGAR veteran Phil Stephenson was presented with a bumper cheque - the proceeds of his Testimonial season - before last weekend's game.

During the year a total of £20,413.12p was raised for the popular prop forward to mark his years of serivce.

He joined the club from Clayton in 1991 as a centre, and after a brief period back in the amateur game returned and has remained at the club throughout several upheavals.

Phil said: "It has been a fantastic year for me and I would like to thank everyone who has helped make it very special.

"There has been a tremendous response from sponsors and supporters."

He was backed by an organising committee led by club groundsman David 'Farmer' Marshall, John and Maggie Edwards, David Kirkby, Paul Moses and Colin Spencer.

Phil has also been presented with a portait of himself painted by local artist David Ingham which was sponsored by John Edwards of MCC Autocentres.