Sutton & Epsom RFC chairman Ian McGraw could not hide his delight after the club was named the Aon Hewitt sports club of the year at the Epsom & Ewell Sports Awards last week.
Two years ago, Sutton were relegated after completing a season without winning a single rugby match.
However, last year they turned the tables around to win promotion back to London Division One South – but McGraw said they are being rewarded for much more than that.
“We are absolutely delighted with the award,” he said.
“It was a great achievement to win promotion after such a dire season, but we have also expanded the junior section, for example we have an U13s girls’ section, which is fabulous.
“I am very proud of the club and all the people who made this possible.”
From its grounds in Rugby Lane, Sutton runs 25 teams and has 1,200 current and former playing members, as well as 1,800 social members.
Winners: Wandgas football for all team won the disability sports award on a night of celebration for the Epsom & Ewell sporting scene All pictures: Nik Batrum, Great Event Photography
But McGraw, who attended the Epsom & Ewell Sports Awards night at Epsom racecourse, was also full of praise for the area’s sporting heroes as a whole.
He said: “What the awards night showed me was that in this borough, there is such a huge wealth of sporting excellence.
“It makes me even more proud of our achievement.”
More than 200 people attended the awards night that were held last week on Wednesday 16 October at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
The awards, now in its third year are organised by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council in partnership with the Epsom & Ewell Sports and Leisure Council.
Alexandra Rickham, London 2012 Paralympic bronze medallist spoke at the awards evening which showcased the Borough's talented athletes, hard-working coaches, committed volunteers and pro-active sports clubs.
Active Surrey coach of the year winner: Martin Henlan (right) with Rekha Bansil (left)
The best of the rest:
Other winners on the night included Martin Henlan, who was named Active Surrey coach of the year for his work at the P&G Surrey Youth Games basketball with Team Epsom & Ewell.
The Surrey Youth Games team walked away with the team of the year and the young team of the year awards after winning the trophy for the first time in the tournament’s history.
The Epsom & Ewell Colts disability sport award went to the Wandgas football for all team, while the sports personality of the year award was won by Lisa Muscutt.
Muscutt represented Great Britain at this year’s World Transplant Games in South Africa, just six years after a double lung transplant.
Matthew Helps, 14, was named young sports personality of the year, and Lesley Bennett won the outstanding service to sport award.
James Peter was named as the young volunteer of the year, and Katie Sevenoaks took the volunteer of the year award.
Councillor Jan Mason, chairman of the leisure committee said: "Congratulations to all our winners.
"The past 12 months have been an excellent year for sport for the borough and the Epsom & Ewell Sports Awards is a fantastic opportunity to recognise and reward talented local athletes, dedicated volunteers, passionate coaches, spirited teams and pro-active clubs for their outstanding achievements.
"On a personal note, I am really pleased that the awards reflect the stunning performance of Team Epsom & Ewell at the P&G Surrey Youth Games."
He added: “Both the winners and nominees for the Epsom & Ewell Sports Awards 2013 have all achieved success to be shortlisted in their award category, well done to all involved."
The Rotary Club outstanding service to sport award winner: Lesley Bennett (left) with Chris Shortt (right)
The winners of this year’s Epsom & Ewell Sports Awards will automatically go through to the assessment panel for the Surrey Sports Awards 2013, providing they meet the county nomination criteria.
The Surrey Sports Awards 2013 will be held on December 5 at Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury-on-Thames. For more information, go to surreysportsawards.activesurrey.com.
For more information on the Epsom & Ewell Sports Awards, visit epsom-ewell.gov.uk/sportsawards or contact the Council's Leisure Developments Team on 01372 732000 or email leisuredevelopmentsteam@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
Better Sports personality of the year award winner: Lisa Muscutt (left) with Alexandra Rickham, London 2012 Paralympic bronze medallist (right).
Epsom & Ewell Sports and Leisure Council sports team of the year, and AFC Ewell young sports team of the year winners: P&G Surrey Youth Games Team Epsom & Ewell with Councillor Jan Mason
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