Northampton Saints- Your Chance to Vote

Included in the Northampton Saints versus Leicester Tigers match day programme (April 2006):

With the end of the Saints' 2005/06 campaign looming, awards season is set to begin. The club is giving its supporters the chance to vote for the Northampton Saints' Player of the Year, sponsored by Persimmon, and Saints Review has suggested six players who you might like to consider, although the choice is entirely up to you. There is also a chance to vote for Saints' Young Player of the Year, sponsored by Hasmead, and Try of the Year, sponsored by Pro-Cut.

Two forwards who have stood out this season are lock Damien Browne and flanker Paul Tupai. Browne has accepted a lot of responsibility this season. He has called the lineouts and was named as captain against London Irish in February. He has made the most forward appearances this season.

Kiwi Tupai arrived after Christmas but has already made a big impact. He has been hard to shift from the team sheet and is consistently a niggling presence around the breakdown.

In the backs, the arrival of Carlos Spencer has grabbed most of the headline. He has not failed to disappoint with his running lines baffling defences across the Guinness Premiership.

Another newcomer is wing Sean Lamont. He will be remembered for his record-breaking four-try haul against Saracens in February.

Lamont's partner on the wing Ben Cohen has also delivered this season. He is leading the way with 13 tries so far this season. He also gained his 50th cap for England against Italy.

Saints Review's last suggestion is centre Jon Clarke. He has stormed back from injury this season to take on a new position at centre and to only miss one game. He also has seven tries to his name.

For the Young Player of the Year award, the Northampton Saints Academy has put together a shortlist of four players.

Worcester recruits Dylan Hartley and Mark Hopley are the first on the shortlist. Hartley had a tough debut at Leicester this season, but impressed as hooker. He also won a Grand Slam for England in the U21s Six Nations. Hopley has captained both the Academy and Wanderers sides, and scored in the 125th Anniversary match for the Academy against Leicester's development team.

Paul Diggin is a self-proclaimed "local lad done good". Born and bred in Northampton, the winger has made five appearances this season and has made real progress in breaking into the 1st XV.

Finally, No. 8 Mark Easter has been picked out for his performances in is five 1st XV appearances this season. He scored his debut try against Gloucester in March and scored last weekend's winner against Bath.

You can also vote for your try of the season from a shortlist chosen by the coaches. To vote, click on the Player of the Year button on the home page of the club's website at www.northamptonsaints.co.uk or fill in the coupon in the Chronicle and Echo. Closing date for votes is Sunday, April 30, 2006.