JERSEY’S most prominent sports stars were thoroughly out-bowled last night by a deserving Alison Merrien who finally clinched the coveted Sportingbet CI Sports Personality of the Year title.
Nominated for the third time in three years, Guernsey’s world-class bowls player was a clear winner of the award she has long craved, securing 32 per cent of the vote – 312 ahead of Sarnian tennis star Heather Watson, and a further 154 in front of Jersey’s professional rugby player and last year’s winner Matt Banahan.
It had looked to be the tightest contest of recent years – earlier yesterday morning just 40 votes separated the top three – but a late surge of calls, perhaps prompted by Merrien’s success last week at the World Bowls Championships, settled the final scores.
The NatWest Rising Star award was split this year between Guernsey cyclist Dan Arblaster – who won the National 10 Mile Time Trial, and was the recipient of the Chris Boardman Trophy, given for outstanding performance over a series over four races – and Jersey shot-put star Jamie Stevenson, who was delighted with the honour, having missed out two years ago, in 2006.
There was reason to celebrate for Jersey Cricket, which retained its Kleinwort Benson Team of the Year trophy for a second season – edging out Jersey Rugby Club, who had a superb 12 months, but who lost the Siam Cup to Guernsey Rugby Club, and Jersey Men’s Bowls Triples.
The 2007 Cenkos Coach of the Year, Jersey’s director of cricket Chris Minty, this year relinquished the title to a worthy John Grady, MBE. The Jersey and British Special Gymnastics Squad coach was rewarded for his tireless, and completely voluntary, efforts in helping disabled athletes achieve national and international success.
The Michael Lucas Sporting Hero trophy also went to Jersey, recognising the team gold and individual silver medals won by dressage rider Simon Laurens at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
Though Jersey dominated this year’s undercard, Guernsey were not left empty-handed – the State Street Junior Team of the Year was presented to the Guernsey Vélo Club Junior Section for their prowess on the national circuit.
Pictured: Guernsey’s Alison Merrien, Sportbet CI Sports Personality of the Year
