OXFORD City Athletic Club were one of the big winners on a memorable night at the Oxfordshire Sports Awards – scooping honours in two categories.

Marcia Marriott was awarded the coach of the year accolade, while they also landed the club prize for their continued success.

Chairman Richard Hart praised the team of volunteers who have helped drive them forward.

“We are lucky enough to be in a sport where you can participate from the ages of seven to 75,” he said.

“The talent in Oxford is amazing and the numbers we have coming who want to try out is astonishing.

“It is a massive effort from a lot of people, but incredibly rewarding at the same time.”

Marriott, whose coaching has helped the likes of rising stars Jade O’Dowda and Tim Stephens land national titles, was delighted at her award.

“We train five days a week, all work very hard and I am very proud of all my athletes,” she said.

“It’s fantastic to get this award, very rewarding.

“It’s all about my athletes, they all appreciate what I do for them, which is really nice.

“I’m just really passionate about what I do – I just love seeing them work with a smile on their face.

“I will share the award (with husband and fellow coach Ian), it’s a joint one.”

Oxford United were crowned team of the year after winning promotion and reaching Wembley, as well as their memorable cup exploits.

“It has been a phenomenal year,” said managing director Greig Box Turnbull, who was receiving the award with the players resting ahead of their FA Cup clash with Newcastle the following day.

“It just snowballed from beating Swansea, reaching Wembley, winning promotion and then establishing ourselves in League One.”

One of the biggest cheers of the night was saved for Robin Aston, winner of the unsung hero award.

Two tables of Banbury & District Table Tennis members came to support a man who has served on the committee for more than 37 years.

“I fell into the sport and got hooked,”

said an emotional Aston.

“To be nominated by those people here, they have made me very proud and humble.

“It’s a great day for me and you get so much satisfaction doing what we do.”

The junior sports team award went to the Oxfordshire Under 17 cricketers, who lifted the Royal London National Cup.

Despite losing three games early in the season, the squad regrouped and found their form at the right time.

“We started really badly, but sat down, spoke about things and after that we were awesome,” said captain George Reid.

“When we got to the semi-final and final, every player turned up and we delivered.”

The disability honour went to Witney Wolves Rugby SEN.

The club are a mixed tag rugby team for children and young adults with learning difficulties, as opposed to those with just physical disabilities.

Head coach Jeremy Bristoe, who received the award along with fellow coach Dec Armstrong and young player James Paul, said “This is a great recognition for the club which caters for a wide range of disabilities.

“Our coaching is geared towards our international festival in June.

“My one regret is that rugby union is the only major sport that does not fund disability side of the game, although we do get support from the RFU’s Wooden Spoon charity.”

Whitchurch (Goring) picked up the sporting primary school honour, with Blessed George Napier (Banbury) winning the secondary school accolade.

Oxford Brookes University were awarded the active workplace award, with the sports development project trophy going to the Access Sport’s High Sheriff Challenge.