YABBIES’ fullback Nic Walker was recognised on Saturday by Southern Inland Rugby Union (SIRU) referees not only for his great sporting ability, but for good sportsmanship throughout the season.

Walker was awarded the Bill Castle Medal for Best and Fairest Player in the Zone for 2008, voted on by match referees allocating three points after each game throughout the season.

The competition was a close one, with four players equal on 15 points at the second last round, however strong performances by Walker in the final two rounds saw him take out the medal on 18 points, with runner-up Mitch Pollock from Grenfell on 16.

“It was a great surprise at the end, as there were some really good players all clustered closely at the top of the table,” Walker said.

A huge part of the Yabbies very successful season, Nic ended up second highest point scorer in the competition with 128 points with 13 tries throughout the main round season. A strong runner, and fast, he was devastating in space in attack and counterattack.

Yabbies coach Andrew Daley said that Nic shown great ability this year.

“Nic slotted into the side perfectly and with strong players like Zac Davidson and James Shannon around him, he was really able to shine on the field,” Daley said.

“The Yabbies would not have gone so well in the competition this year if not for Nic and his great ability to penetrate the defensive line.”

“Congratulations to Nic on a fantastic season and a well deserved award,” Daley said.

Following the award ceremony, Walker was also approached by Australian Rugby Union (ARU) Elite Player Development coach Andy Clark to discuss his future rugby career and the possibility of joining the ACT Brumbies Academy development squad.

“We are looking to invite some outstanding players from regional competitions and Nic was brought to our attention by the SIRU early in the season as having great potential,” Mr Clark said.

“Nic starts with a fantastic core set of skills and this would be a great opportunity to improve on strengths and weaknesses and help him with programs and coaching for specifics like strength, speed and conditioning. “