SOUTH Wales Scorpions’ star winger Dalton Grant from Newport has been named in the Kingstone Press Championship One ‘All Stars’ team of the year.
The 23-year-old, who has represented Great Britain at Under-18 level, had an impressive strike rate, scoring 18 tries in as many games for his side.
He is the only Scorpions player to have made the league’s dream team and was a shining light for the club in a difficult season which saw them finish eighth out of nine.
Grant’s stellar performances have gone a long way as he aimed to stake a claim for a place in Iestyn Harris’ Wales World Cup squad, the tournament kicking off at the end of October.
Grant was delighted with the accolade and was grateful to all who helped him: “I am very pleased to make the team of the year as I feel I have had a great season in scoring 18 tries in 18 games.
“I’d like to thank everyone that has supported me this season, especially my parents who go to every game home and away, and to the team for putting in a great effort even though we didn't make the play-offs.
“I’m now hoping to make the World Cup squad and further my career in rugby league.”
Scorpions coach Dave Clark paid tribute to Grant: “Dalton has been the best winger in Championship One this season and this is just recognition for his efforts.
“An outstanding individual and team player, if we had to have just the one representative in the 13 then I’m glad it was him. Congratulations to him and here’s hoping we have more in the side in 2014.”
Championship One and Northern Rail Bowl double winners North Wales Crusaders dominate the side taking up five of the positions including Welsh international Rob Massam.
Play-off finalists Rochdale Hornets and Oldham Roughyeds supply one and two players respectively with Italian international Richard Lepori, who could play against Wales in the World Cup at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday, October 26, being one of the Oldham stars.
Team: Richard Lepori (Oldham Roughyeds), Dalton Grant (South Wales Scorpions), Jon Ford (Oldham Roughyeds), Mason Caton-Brown (Hemel Stags), Rob Massam (North Wales Crusaders), Andy Moulsdale (North Wales Crusaders), Dylan Skee (London Skolars), Rob Thomas (London Skolars), Dave McConnell (North Wales Crusaders), Warren Thompson (Rochdale Hornets), Tyla Hepi (Gloucestershire All Golds), Gary Middlehurst (North Wales Crusaders), Jono Smith (North Wales Crusaders).
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