The very best of local sport was recognised at the prestigious annual Sport Pembrokeshire awards on Friday evening (November 29) 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, Clr. 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 Clr. 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.”

Clr. 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 who 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 dinner show at Haverfordwest raised £12,000 for local charities.”

Hosted by sports journalist Bill Carne and Clr. Huw George, the awards ceremony was organised by Sport Pembrokeshire, the sport development team at Pembrokeshire County Council.

“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 Clr. Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy, Leisure, Tourism and Culture.

Awards winners were as follows:

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.