Check out the latest NCA Award winners.
NATIONAL TWO
COACH of the MONTH
Pieter Muller – Doncaster
Pieter Muller picks up the award for the third month running with three wins out of three with an impressive home wins over in form sides Waterloo and Newbury as the secured promotion and the virtually guaranteed the National Two title.
Pieter Muller is in his first season as a full time coach. His playing career brought him 33 caps for South Africa, including the 1999 World Cup, and Super 12 rugby for Natal Sharks. He joined Cardiff Blues in 2000 and made 80 appearances for them, during which time he developed a coaching interest and took his Coaching Qualifications in Wales. He assisted in coaching the Wales U19 and U21 squads and is developing his skills by doing a MSc Coaching Science degree. Despite approaches from more glamorous clubs, he chose to move to Doncaster this season as Director of Rugby Development where he saw the opportunity learn every aspect of rugby management with a progressive club.
Pieter, on hearing of the award said “I am delighted to accept the award on behalf of the Doncaster players who faced really tough matches in the last month just as promotion was looming. There were no wobbles and we got the job done. This included a narrow win over Newbury in the best match of the whole season. We were pushed hard and were able to show just how good a side we are. There are a number of very good coaches in this league and I am just happy that my first season in that role that success has come early in my career”.
PLAYER of the MONTH
Duncan Cormack – Esher
2nd: Isaac Richmond (Manchester). 3rd: Chris Yates (Doncaster).
Esher prop Duncan Cormack picks up the March NCA Player of the Month award after impressive performances over Newbury and Rosslyn Park. They pushed second placed Newbury all the way before going down to a 35-29 win whilst in their other match they defeated Rosslyn Park away as they looked to try and climb away form the relegation zone.
On hearing of his award Duncan commented "I was very pleased to receive the NCA National Two Player of the Month for March, I think everyone involved in Esher Rugby at the moment is trying their very best to produce the results we need to continue playing rugby in this league next season”
KICKER of the MONTH
Neil Hallett – Esher
Esher fly half Neil Hallett picked up the NCA Kicker of the Month award with an impressive strike rate of 85% to just pip Nuneaton’s Gareth Cull who finished the month on 83.33%. Hallett joined Esher early in the season form Bracknell and his kicking at present is one of the reasons why Esher have improved over recent weeks as they look to climb away form the relegation zone.
Hallett said after hearing of the award "I strive to perfect my goal kicking constantly, I know that our league has some excellent kickers and so for me to get this award for March makes the hard work worthwhile. I would like to thank the NCA for the award and hopefully my kicking in our final games will be good enough to help Esher maintain National Two status as that is the overriding issue"
2nd: Gareth Cull (Nuneaton (83.33%). 3rd: Rob Liley (Doncaster) & Ollie Thomas (Moseley (75.00%). (Minimum qualification 10 attempts at goal during the month.)
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