Jersey full-back Tommy Bell has been named
among a five-man short-list for the inaugural Greene King IPA
Championship Player of the Month award. Now he needs the votes of
Island rugby supporters to help him top the poll.
The new award was launched this week with the announcement of
September's nominees, and Bell earned his place with some excellent
performances in Jersey's first four games. The 21-year-old new
signing (pictured below by Sue Trower) has scored 42
points to date with his trusty right boot, and some scintillating
running has helped add a new dimension to Jersey's back play,
earning Bell three tries and man-of-the-match awards against both
Doncaster and Nottingham.
Selected by a panel of regional and national journalists
covering all 12 Championship clubs, the nominations reflect the
geographical spread of the competition, with players from Jersey,
Bristol, Worcester, London Scottish and Doncaster .
It's now down to supporters to vote for their overall favourite.
Visit the designated page on EnglandRugby.com (click
for link) to choose the winning player, who will be given the
honour of being named the player of the month as well as receiving
a Greene King IPA magnum.
Everybody who votes during the competition will be automatically
entered into a free prize draw to win a day at Twickenham for them
and up to nine friends. The prize includes exclusive access to the
hallowed turf for a day of touch rugby in May, followed by a
pitch-side BBQ.
September Player of the Month shortlist
Tommy Bell (Jersey)
Mark Bright (London Scottish)
Dougie Flockhart
(Doncaster)
Matthew Morgan (Bristol)
Mike Williams
(Worcester)
Nominated for the 2013/14 Championship Player of the Season,
36-year-old Bright joined London Scottish from Redruth in 2011,
taking over the captaincy reins. The New Zealand born back row
forward was named in last season's Championship Dream XV, and was
also named player of the season in the club's own awards. A dynamic
ball carrier, Bright has played 74 games for London Scottish since
joining in 2011, scoring 41 tries in the process.
Welsh international Matthew Morgan has made an impactful start to
his season at Bristol Rugby. Racking up a tally of 51 points,
including one try, six penalties and nine conversions, the
22-year-old was named MoM following his impressive debut
performance against Worcester on September 7.
Former rugby league player Dougie Flockhart (29) was instrumental
in Doncaster's promotion back to the Greene King IPA Championship,
hauling in 237 points across the 2013/14 season. His abilities have
continued into the second tier, proving significant in the Knights'
three wins from four, including kicking six successful penalties to
see Doncaster come from 18-7 behind to seal victory over Jersey in
Round 2. In his latest performance, the wing scored a try,
three conversions and two penalties to help Doncaster in their
victory over last season's semi-finalists Yorkshire Carnegie.
Worcester's Mike Williams also impressed the panel during
September with his huge ball-carrying ability, superb work at the
lineout and relentless work rate. The 21-year-old Zimbabwean signed
for the Warriors after five years with the Sharks in Natal, moving
to Sixways in 2013. Since then, he has moved from lock to flanker
and flourished, opening his debut Championship season with a try
against Bristol Rugby. Williams has appeared in all four of
Warriors' Championship fixtures.
Voting will open on Monday September 29 and close at 12noon on
Thursday, October 2nd. The winner will be announced on Friday,
October 3rd.
Chris Houlton, managing director for Greene King Brewing &
Brands, said: "Like other awards of its kind, the player of the
month is designed to recognise some of the outstanding performances
across the competition, and with the journalists' and supporters'
knowledge and passion, the chosen players each month will no doubt
be worthy winners."
To vote for your Greene King IPA Championship September Player
of the Month, visit the designated page on EnglandRugby.com (click
for link). Everybody who votes during the competition will be
automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a day at
Twickenham for them and up to nine friends.
