Rachael Burford named Sportsperson of the year at the 2018 Medway Sports Awards
Published: 10:43, 15 December 2018
Updated: 10:45, 15 December 2018
Rachael Burford completed a personal hat-trick at the Medway Sports Awards on Friday night.
Burford, a winner in 2006 and 2010, was named sportsperson of the year for a third time.
It capped another brilliant two years for the rugby union star, who has won more than 80 England caps having represented her country for over a decade.
"It's a huge honour and I didn't expect it at all," beamed Burford.
"I'm really proud to still be playing and keep representing my roots. Medway (still) has a big part in my heart."
Burford was handed the award by inspirational guest of honour Lizzy Yarnold and Medway Council deputy leader Howard Doe.
Junior Sportsperson of the year went to Youth Olympic gold-medal winning boxer Karol Itauma.
Winter Paralympic gold medalist Charlotte Evans and boxing referee Ian John-Lewis were both inducted into Medway's Hall of Fame.
The awards, sponsored by Bubble & Scruff and organised by Medway Council's Medway Sport team, were held at MidKent College and were expertly hosted by Eleanor Oldroyd.
Other winners on the night were:
Team of the year - Holcombe HC ladies 1st XI
Junior team of the year - Champion Aerobic Gymnastics Club - GBR team members
Primary School of the year - Lordswood Junior School
Official of the year - Ann Hopkins
Coach of the year - Eddie Orgee
Secondary School of the year - Greenacre Academy
Unsung hero of the year - Dan Gower-Smith and Gary Smith
Club of the year - Anchorians FC
Junior Club of the year - Kent Crusaders Basketball Club
Guests also included Gillingham players Callum Reilly and Navid Nasseri, along with chairman Paul Scally and manager Steve Lovell.
Reaction from other winners plus the two new Hall of Fame inductees and a full list of the gold, silver and bronze awards will be in Thursday's Medway Messenger.
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Matthew Panting