The very best of local sport was recognised at the prestigious annual Sport Pembrokeshire awards last night (Friday) at Folly Farm.

Fourteen award-winners were announced in a variety of categories, together with the winners of the Special Achievement Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Special Achievement Award was presented to the family of the late John Williams of Hundleton, who sadly passed away as the result of an accident on a cricket pitch whilst umpiring earlier this year.

John was described as ‘the epitome of all that is good in cricket’ by Pembroke County Cricket Club Chairman Paul Webb and a ‘true gentleman’ in many tributes from fellow cricketers.

The award was presented to John’s family by the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Simon Hancock.

“John was first and foremost a devoted family man but also a hugely respected cricketer and umpire, not only in Pembrokeshire but much further afield,” said Cllr Hancock.

“He played cricket for Hundleton until he was well over 50, by which time he was already involved in umpiring. His skills quickly earned him recognition ‘up the line’ and as his reputation grew, he was invited to umpire a number of top competition finals, including the Welsh Counties Cup Final at Aberystwyth, the Welsh Cup Final in Swansea and the National Finals in Sophia Gardens.

“But John was equally at home umpiring locally, officiating at every under 13s final since the competition began - and ever-ready to help out at as many junior games as possible.

“He also stood in the middle at the final of every cup in the county, including six Harrison-Allen Bowl Finals.”

Cllr Hancock closed his speech with an extract from a Cricket Wales tribute to John who described him as the ‘seemingly ever-present, friendly umpire who everybody in Pembrokeshire cricket knew, or recognised - from the Under 10s through to the top-level senior players’.

“His experience and more importantly his ‘old-school’ charm, decency and remarkable commitment to the sport that he loved, will be remembered,” it concluded.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Graham Brockway of Merlins Bridge Boxing Club.

He was presented with his award by Geoff Williams, Head of Sport at BBC Wales, who described him as a ‘leading light in local sport’ having clocked up nearly 50 years’ dedicated service.

“Graham is revered in boxing and kick boxing circles,” said Geoff.

“His career record is incredible; 73 bouts as an amateur with 61 wins, three bouts as a professional – unbeaten, and 43 kick boxing fights with 35 victories.

“He made his debut at the Drill Hall, Pembroke and thrived on innate strength and self-belief. He won amateur titles at Welsh and British level and while at kick boxing, he won Welsh, British, European and World titles at a variety of weights.”

“After retiring at 36, he started coaching at Pembroke and then Merlins Bridge. He’s been instrumental in nurturing local talent like Commonwealth Games competitor Charlene Jones and Olympic hopeful Micky McDonagh – along with a host of others. He’s still working with his wife, Gill, on fitness training for women and girls and a recent show at Haverfordwest raised £12,000 for local charities.”

Hosted by sports journalist Bill Carne and Cllr Huw George, the awards ceremony was organised by Sport Pembrokeshire.

“The awards are a fantastic way of celebrating not only the success of individuals and teams but also the coaches and volunteers behind the scenes who make it all possible,” said Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy, Leisure, Tourism and Culture.

Manager of Sport Pembrokeshire Ben Field congratulated all the finalists and winners and thanked everyone who had submitted nominations.

“Sports has so many benefits – not just improving health and wellbeing but also helping to strengthening communities and developing strong social bonds,” he said. “We’re delighted to promote and celebrate all that is good in sport once again in this year’s awards.”

The event was sponsored by Valero, Sport Pembrokeshire, Western Telegraph, Radio Pembrokeshire, and Folly Farm.

Valero’s Public Affairs Manager Stephen Thornton said: “Sport is so important for community cohesion in Pembrokeshire.

“So many people are doing inspirational things, from the athletes themselves to their dedicated coaches and supporters, and the volunteers assisting them.

“Valero is delighted to continue supporting Pembrokeshire sport and the Sport Awards, which recognise the incredible achievements of people across the county.”

Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2019 - Winners

Coach of the Year

Wayne Griffiths (Pembrokeshire Harriers)

Female Sporting Achievement

Ysie White (Bowls)

Male Sporting Achievement

Ollie Wheeler (Hockey, Athletics and Football)

Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement

Liam Topp (Athletics)

Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement

Ella Wintle (Athletics)

Disability Sport Award

Matt Bush (Para-Taekwondo)

Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award

Michael Jenkins (Discus and Shotput)

Unsung Hero

Jayne Cole (Haverfordwest Cricket Club)

Club Organiser of the Year

Simon Nicholas (Milford Haven Golf Club)

Team Achievement of the Year

Merlins Bridge AFC

Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year

Pembrokeshire Harriers U15s Boys Relay Team 2019

Young Volunteer of the Year

Emily Gray

School Award

Ysgol Glannau Gwaun

Club of the Year

Neyland Cricket Club

Chairman’s Special Achievement Award

John Williams

Lifetime Achievement Award

Graham Brockway