POWERFUL prop Tracy Balmer has won the inaugural player of the month award at Worcester Valkyries.
Valkyries have enjoyed a mixed start to their Women's Premiership campaign after defeats to Aylesford Bulls Ladies and Bristol, alongside a fine win at reigning champions Richmond in September.
But further wins since against Saracens and Darlington Mowden Park Sharks have seen the Sixways side push their way up the table.
Balmer has been voted as September's standout performer by the Valkyries coaching team.
Valkyries director of rugby Donna Kennedy said: "Tracy has started this season with an instant impact and truly deserves this award.
"She has provided a solid platform in the scrum alongside her front row colleagues to allow us to carry out our game-plan.
"She has been everywhere on the pitch to which you could mistake her for an extra back row.
"Her linking play is of a high calibre and she is a key figure in leading up our defensive pattern."
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