The Sharks coach John Plumtree and Vodacom Western Province loose forward Duane Vermeulen on Tuesday received the Absa Coach and Player of the Month awards for August at a ceremony held in Durban.
Plumtree’s side are currently in first position on the Absa Currie Cup log with 36 points and are eight points clear of Vodacom Western Province, Vodacom Free State Cheetahs and the Vodacom Blue Bulls who are currently all in joint second place.
The Sharks who conceded a 40-34 defeat to the GWK Griquas in week one, managed to secure seven consecutive victories in this season’s competition after that result in Kimberley before going down (40-34) to the defending champions in Pretoria on Saturday. They have scored the most tries (39) in the competition after nine games and have also accumulated the most points – 328.
“This award is actually a reflection of all the hard work that has been put in by all of us here at The Sharks,” said Plumtree.
“The Absa Currie Cup is a tough competition. Our players, team management and all the coaches are constantly putting in a lot of hard work to ensure the progress and success of this side. So it’s a huge honour for me to be presented with this award. Thank you Absa for the recognition.”
The Absa Currie Cup Coach and Player of the Month competition, which will run during the course of the competition, rewards players who have consistently performed during each month of South Africa’s domestic competition.
Coaches are also honoured on a monthly basis for their contribution to their team’s consistent performances.
While Vodacom Western Province has suffered three consecutive defeats during their last few games in the Absa Currie Cup, Vermeulen has consistently been one of the standout performers during this year’s competition.
“From a team perspective, this past month has been tough for us at Vodacom Western Province with ups and downs, so to be named Absa Currie Cup Player of the Month for August is really a great honour,” added Vermeulen.
“There are exceptional players representing eight teams in the Absa Currie Cup every weekend, so to be recognised for my on-field performances is also an honour.”
Article courtesy of www.sarugby.net
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Congratulations Plum!
wow, did Duane really say that or was it edited afterwards? “Vodacom Western Province” and “Absa Currie Cup”.
To be expected with an 8 point lead on the log. 😈
Well done Plum! I am enjoying the ball in hand stuff!
@klempie (Comment 3) : one may think he is doing something right.
well done Plum – keep it up. Coach of the month in October would be even better 😀
@rekinek (back to rugby) (Comment 5) : unbeaten in october would be better
Hats off to the ‘Tree: he has adapted and shown a willingness to change when proven wrong. Long may it continue.
But what more must Keegan do to be player of the month? 😯
@Big Fish (Comment 7) : Vermeulen didn’t really stand out for me, to be honest
@Big Fish (Comment 7) : grow bigger and fatter.
or move to the wing.
seriously : maybe there are just better guys than him.
@war1 (Comment 6) : that my wish too. 😛
@Big Fish (Comment 7) : Hats off to the ‘Tree: he has adapted and shown a willingness to change when proven wrong. Long may it continue.
Fully agree. Was tearing my hair out for the last 2 Super 14’s and last year’s CC with the backs kicking all the ball away.
The big question is can Div do the same? 😕
According to the Volksblad, the Cheetahs want to take Lionel Mapoe to court for not pitching up for training. Apparently the Sharks have been trying to negotiate a transfer fee for Mapoe but the Cheetahs don’t want to accept it.
@war1: glad to see that mapoe still wants to join the sharks.need penetrating backline player,a strike runner that can turn possession into points.imagine mapoe outside adi jacobs!
@war1: we recycle the ball through so many phases,that the team needs to start setting itself goals,ie 10phases must be try time!also think sharks def need another strong ball carrier @ loose forward(taking our gameplan into account),perhaps should have a look at ashley johnson(not another cheetah!but i believe this cheetah was schooled in wp and was cw rep for wp schools (2003?)).
@war1:think jlp might have proven him a better [email protected] than lambie coz of his better goalkicking for one,and he is also a tenacious tackler with a strong running game..and more experience.but there still a few months to go. How bout [email protected] oelschig as sh option?
Two questions.
1) was this decided before Plum made the subs last weekend? 😛
2) Did they not see how vermeulen played against the Sharks? 😈
@KSA Shark © (Comment 16) : ha ha also wandered about no1. But i think we musnt 4get we are still in a wonderful position out top by 8 points on course 4 a home semi!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 16) : basson should hav player of da month instead
@RuckingFun (Comment 17) :
I agree 100%.
@RuckingFun (Comment 18) : I wonder what he has to do to get player of the month? Move to Dbn or CT?
Mitchell and Jantjies for September 🙄
@Jarson (Comment 20) : and October 😆
@Greg (Comment 21) : Ricky Januarie for…. Januarie… 🙄
@VanWilder (Comment 22) :