Millwall Rugby Club Annual Awards Winners - S2019/20
The Millwall Rugby Club Annual Awards acknowledge improvement and excellence both on and off the field. This is an opportunity for the entire Millwall Rugby community to celebrate the Players’ prowess on the pitch and the unwavering dedication of time and energy from the Volunteers within our Club.
Season 2019/20 Annual Award winners
In the absence of our usual end-of-season dinner, we announced the club award winners at the AGM. For those not present, the winners are as follows:
Best Newcomer Men's - Erik Woolcott
Erik has been an absolute godsend for the 1st XV this season with his dominant play up front. With his work rate and physicality around the contact area, he makes an impact every time he steps on the field. His technical scrummaging ability has even helped to revive a rare sight on a few occasions this season... a Millwall scrum going forwards!
Best Newcomer Venus - Bolade Alake
Bolade has proved herself to be a fantastic asset to Venus. Despite having not played rugby before, she quickly picked up the rules and skills and proved herself to be a natural at rugby! She demonstrates tenacity and fierceness on the pitch, making her a worthy winner for Best Newcomer this year.
Most Improved Men's - Peter Nieves
Peter has always showed potential and has made great strides this season when given the opportunity. Developing into a regular 1st team player, his strong ball carrying abilities have set him apart, and usually put fear in the hearts of the opposition on the few occasions he played for the Llamas. Buy this poor man a well-deserved drink on the Wetherspoon’s app!
Most Improved Venus - Suz Franks
Suz has demonstrated great commitment to the Women's team and shown eagerness from the 'get go' to learn and develop as a new rugby player. She has made fantastic progress playing number 15 for most of the season and we look forward to continuing to see her grow as a player next season.
2nd Team Player of the Year - Ed Rothery
Ed has been an absolute workhorse for the Llamas this season with strong carries, strong tackles, and putting himself around the park at the breakdown. He put in impressive performances when he was called up to the 1s. He’s also really stepped up this year with his leadership on the pitch and his commitment to the club, volunteering off the pitch.
1st Team Player of the Year - Andrew Fraser
Andrew has made a massive impact on the pitch in his first year at the club. He has shown his all round talent in every aspect of the game and was equally dependable with ball in hand and in defence. He was one of the first names on the team sheet at selection every week. As a Scotsman, silverware will be a foreign sight to him, but it is well-earned.
Venus Player of the Year - Jackie Esono
Jackie has been key player for Venus this season. As captain and number 10, she has been a great leader for the team on the pitch keeping a cool head in the toughest of situations! She has not only played a key role in matches but also at training and off the pitch. She is well deserving of this award!
Player's Player of the Year - Seamus McGowan
Over the last 12 months Seamus has shown great leadership on the pitch and made significant contributions off it. He is a player who can regularly be seen sweating buckets during and after matches, who plays on through the pain barrier, and who can always be relied on to give teammates a slap on the backside if they are walking between rucks.
Club person of the Year - Shek Palit
Shek has had a tough year with injuries: first a shoulder, then a knee. We have certainly missed him on the pitch, but off it he has been a great leader. He has run training sessions, driven the bus and been behind the bar pulling pints in his fetching Millwall dressing gown. A true club man.
Youth Volunteer of the Year - Martin Griffiths
Martin’s commitment to the youth section has been vital in its development over the past few seasons. It’s been great to see how Martin’s coaching has developed since first stepping in to help out, he now leads the sessions for the u11s who enjoyed another successful season. He is always available to help with any youth section events and does it with a smile.
Unsung Hero of the Year - Mike Beech
Mike put in a huge amount of effort behind the scenes this year to ensure that fixtures got played. When the council cancelled our pitch bookings at the last minute, he made great use of his contacts across Essex rugby to find us alternative venues. When the men’s teams had enough players for a third team fixture, he found us opposition on short notice, and when members of the committee needed sage-like advice, he provided it.
Chairman's Award – Chirantha ‘CJ’ Ulapane
I thought long and hard about this award, as there are so many people whose efforts this year deserve recognition. CJ is someone who has not played much rugby in the last two seasons due to injury, but has nevertheless been a regular presence at Men’s and Venus fixtures, offering full throated support. He has stepped into the breach to become a coach of the Venus, a role in which he has shown all the passion and determination which I previously saw from him as a teammate.