New teams hailed at South and West Dorset League awards

AWARDS were given out to celebrate the achievements of the South & West Dorset League,
The year saw two new teams bursting on to the scene, MeraKi and NMP Property, who both battled it out for the individual and team awards.

Proceedings started with division winners see their season-long efforts recognised.
The Division Two Winter title went to Girling & Bowditch while new signings helped JD Wetherspoons scoop the Division One crown.
The Premier Division champions were the decorated Belle Construction, after pipping New Body Fitness to the post.

For the summer season, the winter winners and runners-up for Division One and Two earn automatic promotion.

For both O’Jos, the Division Two winners, and Bay Fencing, who won Division One, the motivation to resume a place in their former divisions and celebrate their sponsors’ support was the inspiration.

Belle Construction meanwhile, continued their form and were crowned Premier Division winners for the fourth successive season.

Suspense grows throughout the year for the individual awards as solo titles are battled out through weekly blind nominations made by both players and umpires alike.

According to their opposition, those who consistently proved their court flair for the players’ player award were Gilly Woodsford (Division Two), Jayne Guppy (Division One), Rachel Scarrf and Louise Bugler (Premier Division).

Gilly Woodsford was also recognised by the officials, who nominate players for their inspiring court craft, positive sportsmanship and impact on the game.

A number of players are shortlisted for the coveted player of the year award – often multiple players from the same team go shoulder to shoulder in a bid to be crowned division winner.

However, it is rare that two players from the same team share the spoils, which is what happened for close friends, Division Two winners Holly Fowler and Halle Patterson (Basepoint).

Division One player of the year went to Jo Baldwin, the versatile centre-court maestro from Team Waikiki who also went on to scoop overall league winner.

The Premier Division winner went to league chairman and Belle coach Louise Bugler.
The ladies were joined by England Netball officiating tutor Kelly Browne who was on hand to present the officiating awards.
Many of the league umpires compete as players, as well as assume officiating duties.
Those who earned recognition for their balanced approach and enthusiasm were Mel Dive, Tracy Moore and Louise Bugler, all of whom have managed to secure the award in previous years.
The final awards of the night are dedicated to those teams and individuals who are given special consideration in terms of their league contributions.
The late Denise Camp award for fair play and good conduct went to New Body Fitness, who support the league in terms of umpiring, administration and netball spirit and were also Premier Division runners-up in Winter and Summer.
The highest climber among the league award, in terms of positions moved through the divisions went to Bridport-based team Girling & Bowditch, who have seen their rise in success highlighted with the introduction of sister club NMP Property.
The most prestigious award of the evening, the Louise Beals services to netball went to Mandy Grafton who is relentless in her efforts for local netball.
Before the award was announced, last year’s winner Mel Dive delivered an entertaining and heartfelt speech to recognise Grafton’s contribution, which signed off proceedings with the biggest applause of the night.