The club, although still in need of a point to guarantee a place in next season’s Principality Premiership, won three of their four league matches last month, beating Cross Keys, Llanelli and Pontypridd, and skipper Moore has been recognised for his hard work on the coal face.
“March was a big improvement for us,” said Moore, who played all his junior and youth rugby at Cwmafan. “Those results have given us hope but we still need one more point for safety and we’re looking for a big performance against Carmarthen Quins on Saturday.
“On a personal level, it’s nice to get this recognition if unexpected, but I would certainly swap it for a win on Saturday.
“Things have started to improve for us as a squad since Jason (Hyatt), Barry (Maddocks) and fitness coach Dan Cunningham arrived. Our fitness levels have improved and our style of play has changed too. If we can get through this period I think we will be a much stronger team next season.”
Lisa Perrie, Principality Building Society’s Port Talbot branch manager, said: “Ian has led from the front as captain of Aberavon this season and is very deserving of March’s Player of the Month award. His hard work and desire to stay up has helped the Wizards to victories against some of the league’s top teams and we wish them the best of luck in the final game of the season.”
Ian Moore factfile:
Born: 9.10.79, Neath
Position: Lock
Club: Aberavon
Former clubs: Cwmafan
Most admired player: Richie McCaw
Most admired sportsperson: Michael Johnson
Biggest influence: Grandfather Cyril Moore
Nickname: Buddha
