STEVE MUNFORD has paid tribute to the Surrey coaching staff after the Acorns retained the County Championship Shield crown at Twickenham yesterday (Sunday).
Surrey defeated Cumbria 21-16 in an attritional battle yesterday to retain the title they won last year, and Munford said it would not have been possible without the support of the coaching staff.
The Dorking player said: "They are fantastic.
"Obviously you have [head coach and Dorking's director or rugby] Richie Andrews, but it is guys like Ian Newcastle, who do so much behind the scenes.
"They do a brilliant job and make our lives easier so we can focus on the playing side of it.
"It wouldn't be possible without them and a lot of credit goes to them."
Meanwhile, Munford said he enjoyed his third appearance at Twickenham, adding that while it was a close battle, it was great to come through it on the winning side.
"It is incredible," he said.
"Some professionals go through their career without playing here and I have been here three times now.
"I have been on the wrong end of a result here, but it is nice to be on the right side of it and I feel very lucky."
