2011 OXFORDSHIRE SPORTS AWARDS

ABINGDON Vale Swimming Club celebrated a sensational double success at the 2011 Oxfordshire Sports Awards.

The club, which enjoyed a 64 per cent rise in members over the past 12 months, were named as club of the year, with Scott Farnell winning coach of the year.

The awards, which are run in partnership with the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership rewarded the best sporting talent from around the county at all ages.

Again presented by Jerome Sale and Jo Thoenes, more than 15 sports were recognised by the shortlists.

And although the two main winners were Olympic hopefuls Hannah England and John Paul, it was once again the smaller clubs and lesser-known individuals who received the biggest cheers.

Farnell, an Australian, was in his first year with Abingdon and declared himself honoured to land the coch award.

“It has been a terrific year for us all at Abingdon,” he said.

“The aim was to get as many people swimming as possible, and then see how many we could get at regional and national level.

“Developing swimmers is key to the aim of the club.”

Hollie Roberts, who was shortlisted for the junior sportsperson of the year last year but lost out to Paul, went one better this year.

The 16-year-old represented England in karate’s European Champions Cup, and next year is aiming to represent her country in the World Championships in Serbia.

Andy Gardiner won the disabled sportsperson honour for the second successive year and is this year hoping to qualify for the Paralympics.

The team of he year award went to Shipton-under-Wychwood Cricket Club’s 1st XI after lifting the Cherwell League Division 1 title as well as the Wilf Bennett Cup and Bernard Tollet Oxfordshire Cup double.

Henley’s Under 16 girls quad were named junior team of the year after going through the last 12 months without losing a race and scooping several prestigious titles.

Rhian Todd, manager of Freeland Cricket Club’s Under 17 girls team won junior volunteer of the year, while Banbury’s Jacob Ibbotson landed the active inspiration award.

WINNERS

Sportsman of year: John Paul (cycling). Sportswoman: Hannah England (athletics).

Club: Abingdon Vale Swimming Club.

Team: Shipton Cricket Club 1st XI.

Coach: Scott Farnall (Abingdon swimming).

Junior sportsperson: Hollie Roberts (karate).

Junior team: Henley Under 16 rowers.

Disabled sportsperson: Andy Gardiner (shooting/golf).

Active Inspiration: J Ibbotson (youth activator).

Youth volunteer: Rhiann Todd (cricket).

Unsung hero: Franky Marulanda (basketball).