Check out the NCA Awards winners for February in National Three North.
NATIONAL THREE NORTH
COACH of the MONTH
Stuart Connell - Fylde
Fylde on the back of five consecutive victories in National Three North have risen to the lofty heights of sixth place when at one stage this season it looked like they might be involved in a relegation battle and are just two points of third place.
Connell, a 36 year old ex-Cumbria county centre has spent the last 14 years at
Fylde.
A severe knee injury in 1993 restricted his very promising career
although he still plays occasionally in extremis. He coached the Fylde
2nd team in 2001/2 and stepped up to the 1st XV last season, assisting
New Zealander Dean Kenny by looking after the backs. When Kenny resigned
in November 2003, Connell took over the senior coach's role.
He then recruited ex-Scottish international hooker Martin Scott, who had
moved from Orrell to Fylde in 1997, to assist him, specifically working
with the forwards. Scott still has a playing role although he hasn't
featured in league matches since late December. The forwards have
improved significantly since Scott became involved.
PLAYER of the MONTH
Andrew Carphin – Darlington
Darlington’s flanker Andrew Carphin has made an immediate impact since making his debut for the club and is already the clubs leading try scorer with 10 tries from nine starts and four appearances from the bench.
In February he has scored four tries in as many matches and has played a vital role in helping Darlington reach a position where it looks like they will retain National League status.
KICKER of the MONTH
Mike Scott – Fylde
Yet again Mike Scott picks up the NCA Goal kicker of the Month Award, Scott has now won the award for a fourth consecutive month but this time with a much higher strike rate.
He ended the month with a 90% strike rate slotting over 18 of his 20 kicks at goal which was a 20% increase in his strike rate for January.
Overall this season Scott is averaging 78.05%, with 82 successful kicks from 102 attempts. |
