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JAKE BATES TOPS THE POLLS AS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

JAKE BATES TOPS THE POLLS AS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Alex Harris10 May 2016 - 12:31
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Jake Bates: The Enfield Ignatians' Player of the Season.

The versatile JAKE BATES has scooped the prestigious Enfield Ignatians' Player of the Season following a successful season in which the player acquitted himself very well at both centre and at fly-half.

Man of the Match in the 22-22 draw with play-off contenders Hammersmith & Fulham, he also proved very effective in the return legs with Woodford, Old Haberdashers and Old Merchant Taylors after respectively claiming 14, 12 and 11 points via the boot.

Virtually an omni-present in the side, Bates played 21 games in all competitions and ended the campaign with an 87 point haul which included three tries.

Captain Keir Bonnar, himself the recipient of the Clubman of the Year award at senior level, said: "Jake really stepped up this season as a leader. Not afraid to take responsibility or use initiative, he tackles well, runs hard, has good hands and also became our primary kicker.

"He's a strong communicator and organiser. He's the lynchpin of the team and got the pack and backline working together. He's respected amongst the players and coaches and thoroughly deserves the Player of the Season award.

Other winners at first team level were Matt Georgiou (most improved) and Liam Horn (top trainer). Georgiou, one of the youngest players in the side at 17, enjoyed a bonanza first season at senior level, with the terrier-like young flanker the author of some excellent carries.

Liam Horn also enjoyed a very productive campaign. A towering presence in the lineout, and very adept at poaching opposition ball, the former youth section player has certainly developed into one of the most effective in his position at London Two North-West level.

The Award winners at second team level were Caolan Davey (Player of the Season), Seyi Adeosun (players' player) and Brad Smith (most improved).

The third team, having snared third spot in Herts-Middlesex Division Five, also recognised its outstanding talent with Dutchman Dave Korthals topping the Player of the Season Award. Adam Collins (players' player) and Jason Joseph (most improved) were the other category winners.

Matt Head was clubman of the year at junior level which was a fitting tribute to his sterling job as fixtures' secretary.

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