Taylor and Buck narrowly miss out

Date: Thursday 21 January 2010

Leicestershire batsman James Taylor and bowler Nathan Buck were finalists at Leicester Mercury’s Sports Awards last night.

Taylor was commended after being nominated for the much-coveted sportsman of the year award at the ceremony at Leicester City’s Walkers Stadium while teammate Nathan Buck was also among the contenders for the Junior award.

Unfortunately both missed out on the trophy but they took home framed certificates to note their achievements on what has been a great year for the pair.

While Taylor had a simply outstanding 2009 season which has led to an England Lions call-up, Buck’s absence from the night explained how well he has been doing too.

After making his first-class debut in 2009, the youngster was helping England under 19s beat India at the World Cup last night. The team have won their opening three matches at the tournament.

There was certainly stiff competition for both awards Taylor was up against boxing star and 2008 winner Rendall Munroe and Leicester Tigers, England and British Lions flanker Tom Croft.

Croft scooped the trophy for his achievements with Tigers, England and Lions, where he was recognised as one of the outstanding players on their South Africa tour.

Unfortunately for Tigers fans, he took the award on crutches - although he told host Alan Birchenall MBE that he is hopeful of being back by the end of the six nations tournament.

Meanwhile, the junior sportsman award when to Kibworth cyclist George Atkins, who has enjoyed an outstanding 2009 season. Indeed he is currently in China with the Great Britain World Cup team.

There was also a touching moment as the Neville Hamilton Award was given to the Special Olympics team of 2009.

The honour, named in tribute of the popular and fantastic figure who gave so much to sport in Leicester, was presented by Neville’s wife Linda and son Louis.

Former Lady Mayoress Manjula Sood, Athlete Lee Penfold and Games Director Steve Humphries were among those who accepted the award. Humphries summed it up perfectly by saying it was a “world-class event run by world-class people.”

Other winners on the night included cricketer Nicky Shaw, who scooped the Sportswoman of the year after her excellent performances for England during the world cup, and Tigers as team of the Year.

Nigel Pearson won coach of the year, Leicester Coritanians won club of the year and Hinckley Colts won the u19 team of the year after winning the National Colts Cup.

The Community impact award went to Leicester Penguins, while Smile Smith, Owin Sinclair and Amy Griffiths won the young sportswoman, junior sportswoman and junior sportsman honours.

Peter Altenhofen won the Active4life award. We thank the Leicester Mercury and Leicester City for their hospitality. The awards have now been going for 13 years and are so important in recognising Leicester's sporting achievers.