Bigwood and Walker honoured with awards

COLIN SMITH/The Nelson Mail

SAM BIGWOOD: Received the Donald Bennett Memorial Trophy as the most promising junior referee for the third year running.

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Junior referee Sam Bigwood and Fulton Hogan League co-ordinator Heather Walker were among the award winners at Thursday's annual general meeting of the Nelson Basketball Association.

Bigwood, 16, received the Donald Bennett Memorial Trophy as the most promising junior referee for the third year running as he continued to excel with the whistle. He also collected the Fred Harding Memorial Trophy for the most co-operative referee for his enthusiasm and ability to referee at all local basketball league levels and also at regional level.

Walker received the Keith Wright Trophy for exceptional services to basketball as she has been the driving force behind the Fulton Hogan League, a competition for players with learning disabilities, since its inception in 2006. The league catered to 112 players in 2009 playing in a regular weekly competition.

"Heather's award is recognition for the long hours and commitment to making the Fulton Hogan League happen over the years," said Nelson Basketball Association executive officer Chris Varcoe. "The league is being replicated around the country after being showcased on TV1's Close Up, with Waikato commencing an 8-team league in the New Year.

"All the award winners were thoroughly deserving of their trophies" he added.

Award winners:

Donald Bennett Memorial Trophy – Most Co-Operative Referee, Sam Bigwood

Keith Wright Trophy – Exceptional Services to Basketball, Heather Walker

Trevor Wright Trophy – Coach of the Year, Tatjana Zizic

Lenise Hope Trophy – Best & Fairest Junior Girl, Shannon Perrett

Betty Robins Memorial Cup – Most Improved Senior Woman, Lisa Book

W. File Memorial Cup – Most Improved Senior Man Defensive, Aaron Dempster

Watersiders Cup – Best & Fairest Junior Boy, Michael Karena

Julie Mosey Memorial Cup – Best & Fairest B Grade Woman, Tanea Collier

Fred Harding Memorial Trophy – Most Promising Junior Referee, Sam Bigwood

Club Championships:

A Grade Women: Waimea College Holmes Cup

A Grade Men: Waimea Knightriders, Citi Heat And Cool Nomad Trophy

B Grade Women: Paula's Pre School, Ashes Yellow Holland Trophy

B Grade Men: ZM Rebels Woodstock Cup

Grand Final Championships:

A Grade Women: Stoke Nayland - Donated by Chris Henderson

A Grade Men: Waimea Knightriders - Donated by Melanie Horncastle

B Grade Women: Stoke Nayland Prices - Donated by Karen Hoddy

B Grade Men: Richmond Renegades - Donated by Athletic Basketball Club.

Former vice-president Rod Baxendine was elected president of the association for 2009-2010 succeeding Steve Fitchett, who stood down but has remained on the committee as vice-president.

- © Fairfax NZ News