Culdrose lead the way at Naval Service Sports Awards

IT WAS a double success for RNAS Culdrose at the Naval Service Sports Awards last night when sailors were named sports man and woman of the year.

The winners of the 2019 awards were announced at a glitzy ceremony at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Taking the trophy for Sportswoman of the Year was Lieutenant Commander Lauren Hulston, a warfare officer with the Merlin Helicopter Force, for her success in golf.

Alongside her as Sportsman of the Year was Able Rate Sam Matavesi, who previously worked in logistics at the stores at Culdrose before embarking on his rugby career. 

This year he played for Fiji in the Rugby World Cup in Japan and has now just signed for club Northampton Saints.

They were presented with their trophies by sports champion Sue Campbell, now Baroness Campbell of Loughborough.

Team of the Year was Offshore Sailing, while Chief Petty Officer Scott Jackson was named Official of the Year for his football refereeing.

Boxer, Able Seaman Writer Sophie Coleburn was named Young Sportsperson of the Year.

Special awards went to Lieutenant Commander BJ Smith, for cricket, Mr BJ Petty for hockey and Colour Sergeant John Jackson for bobsleigh.