THE deadline for the Vale Royal Sports Council annual awards has passed, leaving judges with some hard choices to make.
There are 11 awards up for grabs and organiser Elly McFahn said: 'The standard seems to get higher every year - the achievement and commitment on our list is amazing.
'Separating them and finding a winner for each trophy is not going to be easy.'
The awards have become the main social event on the Vale Royal sporting calendar and about 350 guests are expected at Winsford Civic Hall next month.
While the lists have not been released officially, the Chronicle can reveal some of those in contention. nRob Partridge, the 16-year-old Weaverham-based sailor who won the British junior and senior Topper titles and the World Junior Championship as well, is being considered for the Chair-man's Trophy. nCyd Poole, of Northwich, who has retired from motorcycle racing after 29 years on the club circuit, is in for the Ken Riddick Award for commitment to sport. nBarnton Football Club's exploits in Europe make them a contender for the Team of the Year Award.
They became the first ever Mid Cheshire side to win a national knockout when they, as the Mid Cheshire League's representative side, won the FA Systems Cup. They became England for two ventures into Europe, losing once in six internationals. nDelamere 18-year-old ice dancer Jamie Whyte is being considered for the Chair-man's Trophy.
A clean sweep of British Junior titles with partner Louise Walden makes out his case. nPauline Pearce, 48, of Kingsley, has been put forward for the Disability Award.
Pearce is a national champion dressage rider who suffers from the neurological condition cervical dystonia, which effects her balance and means she does not have full control of some muscles.
When she rides her head rests involuntarily on her right shoulder, impairing her vision to her left. She completes some manoeuvres by 'feel and memory'.
'I look bizarre, but I got over the self-conscious stage long ago,' she said.
Other award nominations include Winsford ASC swim-mer Abigail Tetley, rowers Edward and John Ford and Will Laughton, and Vale Royal AC's outstanding Under 17s girls squad.
Tickets for the awards evening, on March 6, are available from Vale Royal council's recreation department (01606 862862).
