SPORTS stars from Hawick hit the ground running at the annual ClubSport Roxburgh Awards last Friday night by scooping an amazing nine of the 10 honours on offer.

Kelso RFC’s Poynder Park clubrooms was the venue for the final regional awards ceremony of the season with ClubSport Roxburgh chairman Norman Anderson leading proceedings which saw individuals and clubs recognised for their efforts within sport and in keeping the region more physically active.

Addressing the audience Mr Anderson said: “Once again Roxburgh, and the Borders in general, has punched well above its weight in terms of sporting achievement over the past year.

“This year however we may have to rename the event the Hawick and District awards.”

Teviotdale Harrier Alastair Walker ran off with one of the top honours on the night, 34 years after first swapping his rugby boots for a pair of running shoes he was named 2018 ClubSport Roxburgh Sports Personality of the Year.

Having taken to the roads at the age of 28, following a spell with Hawick Linden, Alastair decided to retire 10 years later as he didn’t want to run as a Master (over 40 then, over 35 now).

However, on turning 58 four years ago he decided to join his son and grandson back at the Harriers.

His dedication and programme worked, Alastair is now top ranked V60 (over 60) distance runner in UK with fastest times over 5000 metres track and road, five miles’ road and 10k road

Last year alone he won both the British Masters 5k and 10k road championships, the Scottish Masters 1,500m track title, gold in the 10k at the World Masters in Malaga and Bronze in the 5000m track championship at the same event.

Two weeks ago, he ran in Swansea at the British and Irish XCountry International where he won again.

Speaking after collecting his award on Friday night Alastair said: “I feel incredibly honoured to have won this award tonight, it’s always special to be recognised in your own area and it’s been a great night for Hawick.

“The Harriers are a great club and are going from strength to strength and it’s good to be part of that. Winning is good to though and I look forward to trying to achieve that.”

Prior to Alastair receiving his trophy on Friday night were a whole host of Hawick honours.

Hawick Waverley won the Team of the Year title, having lifted a grand total of five trophies during their 2017/18 campaign, including the Border Amateur Division A title, while Hawick Legion's Billy Brunton received a Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils (SALSC) Service to Sport award.

Billy said: “I’m really honoured and quite taken aback to have won this award, I don’t look for anything really, I just do what I do because I love it and I love Hawick Legion.”

Also winning a SALSC Service to Sport award was Border Kayak and Canoe Club founder member, secretary and coach Ian Fingland.

Hawick and Teviotdale Swimming Club coach James McMichan took the Coach of the Year title while Hawick High School trio Millie Comley, Erin Rafferty and Carly Yule were named jointly as the Junior Coaches of the Year for their work within the school’s netball circles.

Denholm mountain bike duo Phoebe Gale and William Brodie were also back on the podium. Phoebe was given a special recognition award along with Hawick boxer Marcus Brogan, while, William was named as Junior Sports personality of the Year.

One of the leading Boccia coaches in the area, Hawick’s Ryan Evans received the 2018 Disability Award.

An extremely hard working, determined and genuine individual, Ryan, was described as a true inspiration and role model for all aspiring athletes and coaches across the Scottish Borders.

Part of charitable organisation Live Borders, ClubSport represents and supports local member clubs, organisations and individuals to help everyone to achieve their sporting goals.

Special Recognition Award – Phoebe Gale (mountain biking)

Special Recognition Award – Marcus Brogan (boxing)

Junior Coach of the Year – Millie Comley, Erin Rafferty and Carly Yule (netball)

Coach of the Year – James McMichan (swimming)

Team of the Year – Hawick Waverley FC

SALSC Service to Sport – Ian Fingland (kayak & canoe)

SALSC Service to Sport – Billy Brunton (football)

Disability Award – Ryan Evans (boccia)

Junior Sports Personality of the Year – William Brodie (mountain biking)

Sports Personality of the Year – Alastair Walker (running)