IT was a year for the coaches at Friday's Wycombe and Marlow Area Sports Awards, with the sports personality awards both claimed by people who have guided and encouraged youngsters in their respective sports.

Colin Tattersall and Pat Siderfin took the male and female Sports Personalities awards in the first year they had been opened up to coaches.

The pair, who coach youngsters in rugby and cricket respectively, picked up the top awards, voted for by Bucks Free Press readers, at Adams Park on Friday evening.

Tattersall, sports master at Wycombe's Royal Grammar School, has been a constant source of inspiration for his pupils, while Siderfin has been prominent in promoting women's and girls cricket in Bucks for a number of years. She first took up the game in 1945.

Asked what keeps her going, Siderfin admitted: "It's the competitive edge. If there's a chance of getting in on things then it's irresistible."

The main sports personality awards may have been snatched by the experienced, but there was no shortage of youthful talent also taking their rewards on Friday evening.

Among them, youngster Ryan Tackley, who was invited to Chelsea's Centre of Excellence. He was the winner of the youngest category of the evening.

Micklefield Judo Club's Claire Knapp collected the award in the equivalent girls category.

At the other end of the scale, 63-year-old Bill Humphrey, who still turns out for Great Kingshill Cricket Club, was a winner in the over-40s age group.

Humphrey, who was completely surprised by the award, admitted after being asked how he prepared for games each week: "You don't train after you reach a certain age."

Bourne End Sports Club also had their share of the awards.

Youngster Luke Hnat collected the Award for Sporting Endeavour after he set up his own roller hockey section at Bourne End Junior Sports Club at the tender age of 15.

And sports club stalwart Liz Hutton collected the Bill Wells Award for Services to Sport after more than 20 years at the club.

But she modestly admitted on collecting her award: "The sports club wouldn't function without the whole team."

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