Yorkshire Carnegie
Bouquets and Brickbats
Unsung Hero!
By Sticky Willie
May 29 2010
After a season where the Leeds Carnegie fans have spent much time on the edge of the abyss, seen some of the worst rugby ever played and then been taken on a roller-coaster ride to salvation, it is time to announce the winners of the fans’ own “Bouquets and Brickbats” Yes it is time for the results of the alternative awards.
There are eight categories, seven bouquets and one brickbat so we will start with the one negative
Worst performance of the season
There could have been plenty of nominations in this category as the start of the season was dire. A dull home draw with Falcons followed by defeat at Sixways and we were heading for a dark place. Worse was to come with a thumping by the Exiles at HC. However the most dire and frustrating performance with 53% of the vote was – Bourgoin (h)
Most influential newcomer
One of the features of the Back/Key management has been the quality of the recruits that they have brought into the club – Andy Titterell, Ceiron Thomas, Alfie To’oala to name but three. However the clear winner of this award, polling 75% of votes cast, might have also won the “highest flyer” award for his exploits in the lineout. Recognised nationally for his opta stats we voted overwhelmingly for - Marco Wentzel.
Best performance
After some dismal stuff we started to put together some decent games and there were probably seven which could have been in contention. The lads performed a notable double over Wasps but the game which caught the eye, polling 41% of the votes was the scintillating win at the Madejski Stadium – London Irish (a)
Best clubman
One of the best features of the team this season has been the spirit of togetherness shown by the entire squad. Whether it is supporting the A team, carrying water at games or ringing fans to get them to renew their season tickets the squad could all be nominated. Alex Moreno and Andy Gomarsall both attracted votes but 49% went to veteran – Rob Rawlinson.
Try of the season
As we are not renowned for being prolific tryscorers every one that we do score qualifies, in my book, for this award. However the one that caught the imagination of 61% of the voters was the magnificent follow-up to Lee Blackett’s strategic kick – Jon Goodridge at London Irish
Tackle of the season
We certainly had plenty of practice last season when it came to tackling. Right across the team hits were made (and missed Seru!) when we were under the cosh. It is not often that an international prop is brought down by a skinny little back just yards from a glorious score but that is what happened in the mud at Edgeley Park one wet Friday night. 77% of voters rated the tackle of the season to be by – Ceiron Thomas on monster Sale propSeason’s turning point/defining moment
Well this was the closest vote of them all. Probably because it was not only hard to tell when the season turned our way (too many false dawns) but when it did turn we could not quite believe it. The signing of Andy Titterell was seen by many as that point. Goodridge’s score at LI attracted votes. I voted for the LBP at Saracens which, to me, was the first signal that the times they were a-changing. 37% of voters plumped for the magnificent – Away win at Wasps.
Unsung hero
Apart from our travelling fans (who are all sung heroes) there are plenty of people who work behind the scenes to make the club what it is today: Diccon Edwards at the academy, John Bentley in the community, Jason Booth preparing the pitch and Phil Daly raising the club’s profile to name but a few. Most fans have discerned that the squad are stronger and fitter than they have ever been and that this is down to one man. Our unsung hero will be missed next season – Steve Nance.
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29/05/2010 07:35
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i just hope steve nance has left enough systems in place so we don't miss him too much next season. guess we'll still have his phone number..
Quote:merry
..i just hope steve nance has left enough systems in place so we don't miss him too much next season. guess we'll still have his phone number..
IIRC James Parkes was his apprentice last season & I would expect him to assume the mantle of "fitness guru"
Still a Tyke - whatever the name!
Incidentally, what is a "brick bat"? It seems an unlikely sport...
Suffering on the Leeds and Yorkshire roller-coaster since 2001
