Jeff Allen MSP's Sportsman of the Year for 2011
Tightead prop Jeff Allen was named MSP's Sportsman of the Year at the club's annual prizegiving on Friday 2 September.
The award caps off a great year for Jeff (pictured right with club captain Neil Murphy), who earlier this year signed a two-year contract with the Hurricanes. He missed the latter part of the season through injury, but was still runner-up in the Dominion Post's Best and Fairest competition after displaying fine form for MSP.
The coveted Mick Horan Award which recognises an especially committed and hard-nosed player and trainer went to premier flanker Sio Tuia. Hooker Liu Taituave is the premiers' 2011 MVP.
Top seasons for the under-85s and colts were recognised with a number of awards. Colts captain and flanker Jacob Rikihana won trophies for Most Outstanding Age Grade Player and Top Try Scorer. Converted hooker Corey Lawrence was adjudged the club's most consistent tackler, and prop Mau Apollo won the MVP award that last year went to his brother Tovio.
Matt Comery of the under-85 Reds won the P.D. Jacobsen Cup as the outstanding 80/80 player, and the Blues' Mark Houghton picked up the prize as the club's top kicker.
On the administration side, it was a good night for the Holden family with John, a former MSP chairman, collecting the W.M.O'Connor Cup for Outstanding Club Member. His son Michael won the Special Merit Award for all his video work, including match videos and the video above.
Once again, the prizegiving was an outstanding night with a packed clubrooms, a tribute to the organising flair of secretary Geraldine Manua. Henry Fidow and Michael 'Soody' Sood were the MCs.
Chairman Ruffy Mollo, in his closing address, thanked the players and coaches and acknowledged the championship-winning efforts of the colts and under-85s.
Here's the full list of trophy winners and team MVPs and here's the prizegiving photo gallery.
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