NATIONAL THREE SOUTH

COACH of the MONTH

Chris Kibble - Blackheath

Chris Kibble is a former club captain who was appointed Head Coach prior to the 2000/01 when the club was in freefall after two successive relegations.  He had a tough start as, despite an opening league win, the club then lost the next 11 games and were bottom of the league at Christmas.  A dramatic turnaround, however, saw nine wins from fourteen in the second half of the season to secure National League status.

Since then Blackheath have consolidated their position in National League Three and this season "Kibbs" has guided the club towards being potential league champions.  The highlights of the season to date are home and away victories over fellow promotion contenders Launceston and three out of three in March, including a first ever win at North Walsham and a club record away winning margin of 50-0 at Barking, have edged Blackheath ahead of their Cornish rivals once again at the top of the league. 

A fine Sevens player himself in his time, Chris also took Blackheath to the finals of the Middlesex Sevens in 2001.

PLAYER of the MONTH

Chris Borrett – North Walsham

24 year old Chris is a pacy full back who has also had a number of games in the centre this season and has scored eight tries this season from his 23 starts. He joined the club in the Under 9’s and made his first team debut in the 1990/91 season and is 2001 was selected for England Students in the match against Romania.

Chris is an all-round sportsman and represents Norfolk County cricket side and is a playing member of the MCC.

KICKER of the MONTH

Derek Coates - Blackheath

Coates picks up the Award for the second time this season as his accurate kicking helped the Kent side return to the top of National Three South.

Coates has passed 300 points in a season for the second time in league rugby having done so for Westcombe Park 2001/02 and is one of the few players to achieve this feat.