James Rushby and Katie Higson walked away with the top prizes at the Second Annual Derbyshire Tennis Awards Evening. The event took place at Pride Park Stadium in Derby on Friday 11th February and was a sell out enjoyed by over 350 tennis enthusiasts from around the county.
After the success of the first awards in 2010, the awards evening had a lot to live up to but proved to be a great night. The awards are organised to celebrate the successes of the past year in Derbyshire and the local tennis community were joined by Guests of Honour Peter Bretherton, LTA President and Andrew Jarrett, Wimbledon Referee.
The evening kicked off with an introduction from County President John Last and a warm up quiz from event organiser Rob Salmon. The awards began with the presentation by Peter Bretherton and Rachel Keal to the winning teams from the Derby Area and Chesterfield Leagues. County Colours were then presented by to Jenny Batty, Sarah Batty and Kathryn Cook. The Derek Wardle Award was presented by Muriel Wardle to Katy Wilson.
After the meal there was a question and answer session with Wimbledon referee Andrew Jarrett before the individual award winners were announced:
Mens Player of the Year – James Rushby (Church Broughton). Highly Commended - Tom Rushby (Church Broughton).
Womens Player of the Year – Katie Higson (Ashby Castle). Highly commended - Jenny Batty (Chesterfield) and Gemma Praditngam (Ashby Castle)
Boys Player of the Year – Sam Ferguson (David Lloyd Derby)
Girls Player of the Year – Katy Wilson (Derbyshire TC). Highly commended – Victoria Allen (David Lloyd Derby)
Coach of the Year – Mike James (Derbyshire TC). Highly commended Simon Thornewill (Duffield) and David Keal (Derbyshire TC)
Club of the Year - Duffield. Highly commended – Church Broughton and Ashbourne.
Volunteer of the Year – Keith Murcott (Duffield). Highly commended – Barbara Langen (Chesterfield) and Eileen Maddison (Belper Meadows)
Veterans Player of the Year - Ashley Broomhead (Duffield). Highly commended - Jane Rushby (Church Broughton).
Club Player of the Year – Mary Langen (Chesterfield)
Derek Wardle Award – Katy Wilson
Following the presentation the disco kicked into full swing and everyone danced the night away. Planning has already started for an even bigger and better event next year!