The trio were in outstanding form throughout the month, helping the Saints consolidate a place in the Aviva Premiership’s top four and put the team in a useful position in their Heineken Cup pool.
Dickson’s play in the three matches against Leicester, Castres and the Ospreys earned him plaudits from all corners, and a place in the England starting line-up against Australia this weekend. In his three appearances he fired out an outstanding 118 passes, only two of which missed their target, and he has added an extra running threat to his passing and kicking skills.
Lawes has been nothing short of sensational, winning two man of the match awards in the Aviva Premiership draw at Leicester and the Heineken Cup win over the Ospreys. Like Dickson, Lawes has won a place in the England 15 that will run out at Twickenham tomorrow. The second row’s tackling has lived up to its reputation, with not a single attempt being missed in his three games in the black, green and gold. But he has shown dexterity with ball in hand, too, carrying the ball effectively and giving the scoring pass to Christian Day in the victory over the Ospreys.
Manoa, the third player on the short-list, was virtually unstoppable in his man of the match performance against Saracens, starting the move which created the first try and showing superb power, pace and footwork to score the second try himself. The leading ball carrier in the forwards, the American has played in the second row and at number eight during October, scoring two tries in the month.
It is a tough decision, with the final call to be made by the Saints supporters themselves. To cast a vote just CLICK HERE before 9am on Monday, November 11th. Everyone who casts a vote will automatically go into the hat to win a £50 voucher for use at Steffans Northampton!
The player who wins the Steffans Player of the Month award will take home a TW Steel watch. There is a second award, too, the TW Steel Clubman of the Month, a player who is chosen by the Saints coaches in recognition of their contributions behind the scenes and away from the public view.
For over 30 years Steffans has been the pre-eminent jewellers in Northampton. Steffans remains a family-run business, with stores in Northampton town centre and Market Harborough, and a multi-award winning website. Steffans are long-standing supporters of the Saints, providing prizes for the club’s End of Season Awards and great offers to Season Ticket Holders through their membership of the Saints Savers Club.
For more information about Steffans visit www.steffans.co.uk
PLAYER OF THE MONTH – WINNERS’ ROLL CALL
SEPTEMBER 2013 Steffans Player of the Month Sam DICKINSON TW Steel Clubman of the Month GJ VAN VELZE
