News

More joy for Exiles

Monday 01st December 2008

Strong start: Booth picks up November award

London Irish capped an excellent November by having Head Coach Toby Booth named as Guinness Premiership Coach of the Month and Steffon Armitage handed the Player of the Month award.

Both Irish and Gloucester claimed 100 per cent records during the month with their good form lifting them to first and second in the table respectively.

Boss Booth has made a strong start to his career at the helm of London Irish, guiding his team to recent wins over Newcastle, Saracens and Bristol.

This good run was achieved not only without a number of Pacific Islands stars who have contributed so much to the cause in recent seasons, but also without new England caps Delon Armitage and Nick Kennedy, who put in strong showings for their country.

Booth will get a chance to pit his wits against Dean Ryan, the other contender for the award, when the top two meet at the Madejski Stadium in the next round of Guinness Premiership matches on Saturday, December 20.

There was also special mention for Gloucester forward Peter Buxton, who guided his side to three wins from their three matches in November and doubled his career Premiership try tally by scoring twice in the recent defeat of Bristol.