Coach is stunned!

28th November 2007

NEW Workington Town No 2 Gary Hewer admitted he was stunned to be named coach of the year at the Cumbria Sports Awards.

Hewer coached Haven Under-21s to the play-offs for the first time this year, was assistant coach of the England Under-15s who beat Wales Under-16s in Bridgend, and guided his amateur club Distington to promotion to the Cumberland League’s top-flight. But he declared the highlight had been the European title win by Whitehaven School’s Year 11 side. He had helped prepare the squad for the tournament in Serbia and travelled to the finals. “It was 18 Whitehaven lads against the might of Serbia, Russia, then France in the final,” he said. “It was Roy of the Rovers stuff.” Haven pro Gregg McNally was man-of-the-tournament in Serbia, and his efforts were recognised with a rising star award at the Sports Awards in Windermere.

“Gregg’s played his part in Whitehaven’s success, and he’s a great talent. He deserves his award,” added Hewer. “It’s great to see people progress. “You don’t get involved in coaching to win accolades, but I feel quite humbled to win this. “I felt absolutely gobsmacked at the time. But without the support of my wife and family it wouldn’t have been possible.”

Rugby league fared well at the awards, with Whitehaven School’s rugby youngsters crowned Junior Sport Team-of-the-Year, and England’s Copeland Wildcats starlet Amanda Donaldson picking up a rising star award. Glasson ARL Club’s Tony Thomlinson’s work in developing the sport in Workington and Maryport was also recognised, with the volunteer-of-the-year accolade. “It was a fantastic achievement by all concerned,” said Haven development manager Alan Davidson.