We're Having a Ball :: Wessex Scene Online

We're Having a Ball

20th June 2008
Simon Webb

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Tears, triumph and tribulations as the AU recognises its stars

The 2008 Athletic Union Ball was one for the history books. A night of glory, ceremony and celebration awaited the great and good of Southampton University’s athletes. Athletic Union President Tom Page declared the evening the ‘Best AU Awards Ball ever!’ The first big surprise was the drastic change to the running order of the evening. While Colour awards remained in their usual position of being allocated early on, the major awards were not announced until non-dining attendees arrived. The change was very well received as traditionally, the non-dining athletes have felt excluded and it gave them a greater understanding of the context of the evening.

As ever, there were a number of strong candidates for each major prize but there can be no arguing that the winners are very well deserved. Page was keen to stress what a hard task was set before the committee in making the awards and that he felt they had excelled in their role.

The first award of the evening was for the ‘Most Improved Team’ which was awarded to the Men’s Badminton 1st team. The team looked to follow promotion last season with consolidation this year, so it came as some surprise that they won promotion for a second successive season and now look forward to competing with the very best the UK has to offer.

Team of the Year went to the Ladies Football 1st XI. As well as achieving FA Chartered Standard Club Status, the team dominated their league with 32 goals, conceding only three. On top of this, they reached the Hampshire Cup Final, competing against the likes of Portsmouth FC, Southampton FC and a number of other national standard teams. The team hope to add the Futsal Championship to their kitty when they head to Loughborough in the coming weeks.

Both Lizze Staden (Lacrosse) and Gemma Harris (Ski) took Outstanding Achievement of the Year awards. Staden debuted for England this season and has made a fantastic contribution to the club both on and off the pitch. Harris took two BUSA Golds and one Silver this year, as well as winning Gold at the Anglo-Swiss Championships for the UK. Thomas Meyer took the Sportsman of the Year prize. Whilst serving as Club Captain of the Volleyball club, he has proudly represented English Universities and driven the club forward as best he can. The Sportswoman of the Year was Jane Inman who has represented the Hockey 1st XI for three years as well as winning a BUSA Shield. This season she captained the team to the league title undefeated. She also competes for Southampton City, Southend and Southampton Medics.

The final, and most prestigious award was by far the toughest and came down to one single dividing vote. All the candidates for Sports Personality of the Year had incredibly strong claims to the prize but Claire Bridges took the title. Most readers will know her as ‘Gobby,’ one of the three candidates for the AU Presidency. Few people can rival her fantastic reputation in the Athletic Union. She is a well loved social member, an approachable Club Captain and a hard working athlete. All present were delighted with her receiving the award. An elated Bridges said: “I’ve had the best three years in Wessex, I’ve taken part in so many sports and it’s an absolute pleasure. For the Stag!”

With the 2007/08 AU Awards Ball done and dusted, Wessex can look to another year of sporting glory and great achievement.