Glamorgan Wanderers outside half Scott Sneddon has lifted the November Principality Premiership Player of the Month award.
Twenty three year old Blues rugby development officer Sneddon joined the Wanderers in the close season and has made a strong mark on the Ely-based side, his consistent place-kicking helping them to reach their current sixth place in the Premiership table.
He was nominated for the award by Principality Premiership coaches and WRU elite performance staff and presented with a cheque for £100 by Katie Bradbury at the Canton branch of Principality Building Society.
Sneddon last month helped the Wanderers to wins over champions Neath (20-3) and away over Ebbw Vale (13-9) after narrowly losing at Cardiff (21-26). They continued their winning run last weekend with another away victory, this time over Swansea (23-26).
Sneddon said, "I'm shocked but thrilled to receive this award. It's great that performances in the Premiership are getting noticed in this way."
Sneddon, who is a house-mate of Wales and Blues utility back Jamie Roberts and Wales Sevens and Newport scrum half Tom Isaacs suffered with injuries in the early part of his senior career but got back in the seat with Cross Keys last season before moving to the Memorial Ground.
"The move to the Wanderers has been beneficial for me. It's a great club and there is a really good bunch of players and coaches.
"After being out of action more often that not in my career so far, I'm really pleased to be playing regularly at this level. I have ambitions to play Regional rugby but at the moment I'm just concentrating on playing well for the Wanderers and hopefully we can continue to move up the table.
Glamorgan Wanderers head coach Richard Hodges believes Sneddon has had no small part to play in his side's recent successful run.
"Our key recruitment strategy in the summer had to be based around improving our kicking game and we identified Scott in that role. He has scored an average of around 15 points per game and that consistency with the boot can very often make the difference between sides at any level. Scott's performances in our recent wins at home to Neath and Swansea and away to Ebbw Vale were pivotal and there is now real competition for our no 10 shirt with Mark Roper."
Scott Sneddon factfile:
DoB: 15.11.85
Place of Birth: Cardiff
Club: Glamorgan Wanderers
Position: Outside half
Nickname: Sneds
Player most admired: Jonny Wilkinson
Sportsman most admired: Jonny Wilkinson
Biggest impact on career - Family and friends
Occupation - Rugby player and development officer with the Blues