Charlie O'Connell Wins Top Award

Taieri loose forward, Charlie O’Connell, was named the Dunedin Premier Rugby Club Player of the Year last night at Carisbrook.  The ranging number 8 was rewarded for a strong season with the eels, by picking up the top award.  Points were awarded to Premier Club players throughout the season by an independent panel and O’Connell came out in top.  Marshall Sucking (Pirates) and Paul Grant (University) finished behind O’Connell in second and third positions respectively.

Other players acknowledged last night by Amateur Club Rugby Manager Richard Perkins were; Tom Davie and Paula Kinikinilau, who scored 12 tries each to be equal top try scorers.  Luke Reihaha was the leading point scorer for the season with 156.  Erik Vaafusuaga was also acknowledged for retiring after 269 premier games, and Daniel Johnston for achieving 150 premier games for Pirates.  Frankie Elisara, Chris Bell and Rebecca Chittock were also presented with an award for reaching 100 premier games during the course of the season. University Rugby Coach, John Leslie, was named club personality of the year to round out the evening.

Jim Thomson also announced the referee of the year who was Ross Barnett.