Denholm mountain-biker Phoebe Gale named as sports personality of year at Kelso ceremony

The 22-year-old was presented with that accolade at this year’s award ceremony at Kelso Rugby Club last Friday, with her citation saying: “Phoebe has received the top individual honour following her continued success on the international downhill racing circuit.

“Since emerging through local development programmes, she has gone on to record world cup victories, elite podium finishes and international recognition while inspiring the next generation of riders throughout Scotland.”

The junior version of that award went to Kelso’s Jack Utterson, a Scottish age-grade rugby international currently in Edinburgh’s academy.

Hawick Boxing Club’s Andy McFarlane was named as senior coach of the year and Kelso rugby coach Emma Neill landed the corresponding junior award.

The award for team of the year went to Hawick Royal Albert following their East of Scotland Football League third division title win last season and Kelso Football Club collected the prize for club of the year.

An outstanding achievement award was given to Kelso Hockey Club’s under-14 Tornadoes after going unbeaten last term and topping their east district league’s A and B divisions.

This year’s disability sport award went to Kelso Boccia Club volunteer Alison Clark and an accolade for service to sport was presented to Jed Thistle’s Brian Colvine in recognition of over 36 years’ dedication to rugby as a coach, committee member and president.

Hawick’s Wilton Lodge Park parkrun, only launched seven months ago, was named as community sports hub project of the year.