Morris voted Reading 'Rider of the Year'.

Phil Morris picked himself up out of his sick bed to lift the Supporters Club 'Rider of the Year' trophy at last night's Dinner & Dance at the Madejski Stadium, home of Reading Football club.

The Reading Racers skipper was only released from hospital Friday morning after having an operation on his damaged knee, but still managed to attend last night's event on crutches. Morris admitted that he was feeling less than 100%, but he was still determined to come and see everyone and to pick up his award.

"I'm not feeling great tonight and I'm also feeling a little out of things, but I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to this award," said Morris. "I'd also like to thank everyone at Reading Speedway and to all my sponsors who are all very much appreciated. As for the operation that went very well. I have to remain in plaster for six weeks, but will have the necessary physiotherapy after that and start building up my fitness ready for next year."

The award was presented by RSSC Chairman Andy Povey, who said afterwards, "Phil has had another great season for Reading - he's continuing to improve each year. I think tonight has summed up what Phil is about. To come here tonight when he could have so easy taken the easy option of resting at home, but that's not the Phil Morris we know and respect - he was determined to come along and see everyone for the final time this year."

The dinner was well attended once again and everyone appeared to enjoy themselves in an event which was extremely well organised by the Reading Supporters Club.

Most of the 2003 Reading riders were in attendance e.g. Phil Morris, Dave Mullett, Paul Clews, Chris Schramm, Andrew Appleton and Anders Henriksson - who flew over especially from Sweden. The management were also well represented with Promoters Pat Bliss and Chris Shears and joint team manager Nick Dyer also in attendance.

Supporter turned Team Manager Dyer, had a profitable night as he also picked up his award from David Wright for winning the Speedway Fantasy League, which has been running all season organised by the Supporters Club.

During the evening, BBC's Radio Berkshire's Paul Hunsdon took over the microphone as master of ceremonies to grab a few words with the riders on their thought's, plans for the winter, next season, etc. Each of the riders present, were also presented with an engraved pewter hip flask from the Supporters Club as a mark of appreciation of their efforts they've given to the cause this year.

All the riders emphasised how much they'd enjoyed the year with Reading, the excellent team spirit in the pits, despite ending the campaign empty-handed on the trophy front.

Racers reserve Chris Schramm said he was looking forward to the winter, as he has been asked to ride in several meetings in New Zealand in the new-year. He will also be competing out there with another Racer in Jason Bunyan - both riders have arranged to fly out together on new-years-eve.

Bunyan unfortunately was unable to attend the dinner last night, as he was busy getting his equipment ready for New Zealand. He nevertheless passed on the following message:

"On Thursday I was asked to ride in New Zealand, riding in 10 meetings in January, The only problem is that all my bikes and equipment have to be at Dartford Ferry terminal on Monday.

"I have got to get 2 engines overhauled by Barry Allaway and all my gear packed by Sunday night. I am not sure yet if I will be fit enough to ride in January, but it is a risk I have to take. If I'm am fit enough, I know it will pay big dividends, come March next year.

"As for next season, I am not sure what is happening, but I will have that sorted out before I leave for New Zealand - I hope I'm back at Reading.

"Racers popular reserve Schramm, commenting on the subject of New Zealand, "I'm really looking forward to the trip, as it will give me great experience.

"I'm going out there on my own, so will be without my dad for the first who always mechanics for me. It will give me the opportunity to learn for myself how to work on my bikes, and the chance to race abroad will be a fantastic opportunity."

"We're over there for six weeks, but will be back in England in plenty of time ready to prepare for the 2003 British season. I really hope that will be back at Smallmead as I'm settled here now, and would really like to start settling down some roots at Reading."

Another rider who had to miss the dinner was Reading's other reserve Glen Phillips, who was taking a much-needed holiday in Bali. He passed on the following message:

"I would like to thank everyone at Reading for all the help and support they've given me this season - The promoters and supporters have been first class. Having started the season with no Premier club, it looked like I would be out of Premier racing for the season. But when Brendon got injured and I was asked to cover for him it was a chance not to be missed.

"The first few meetings scores were a bit disastrous, but I got going and started to score a few points. It was at times quite exciting racing with Schrammy, I'm sure we both learnt a lot. Thanks to everyone, and who knows another year at Reading in 2003...?"

Reading racers would like to pass on a special thanks to all those involved on the Supporters Club committee for a well-organised event, in particular to: Karen Claridge, Tracy Smith, Jo Shewring and Martin Phillips.