THE Evening Star/Call Connection Player of the Month for September has been chosen and the first person to receive the award - based on nominations made by each club - is Woodbridge first XV centre Martin Dumbill.

THE Evening Star/Call Connection Player of the Month for September has been chosen and the first person to receive the award - based on nominations made by each club - is Woodbridge first XV centre Martin Dumbill.

He has made the huge leap from youth to senior rugby this season and in his first home league game last month managed to score a hat trick of tries.

Martin, who is 17 and lives in Rendlesham, is currently studying 'A' levels in the hope of going on to university to study IT or business. When he was told of his win, he said: “To come into senior rugby and win player of the month straight away is a huge honour.

“I'm just glad that the club coach, along with captain Ian Rafferty, gave me the opportunity to play first XV rugby in my first year at this level.”

Martin, along with his father, was presented with a bottle of champagne by Graeme Kalbraier, managing director of Call Connection, and a keen supporter of the local rugby scene.

He said: “I think its fantastic that a young lad, aged just 17, has won the first Player of the Month award.

“To score a hat trick in his first home game is just outstanding.

“Its good to see young talent coming through from the youth squads into the senior teams and I wish Martin every success with his rugby.”

Martin, whose rugby idol is Welsh wonder Shane Williams, will be putting the champagne on ice until January, when he turns 18.

See tonight's Evening Star to read the whole of Dave Carey's In Touch rugby column