They are Robert Stapleford (cricket), Sam Clough (lawn bowls), Cessnock Bowhunters (archery) and Keith Onslow (rugby league).

Robert Stapleford’s involvement with Cessnock District Cricket Association extends back to 1971 when he began playing with the then-Cessnock Workers Cricket Club (who became Supporters in 1985).

The current association president, he has held various roles on the board and as a coach and manager of local representative sides.

Some of Robert’s other achievements from 2011/2012 include the implementation of the very successful T20 Big Bash in Cessnock; winning the rights for Cessnock to hold the 2012/13 Hunter Valley Junior Finals in Cessnock for the first time and also the right to hold the Northern NSW under 15’s carnival in Cessnock for the first time.

Sam Clough retained his spot on the Bowls Australia selection panel, and will hold his position at least until the conclusion of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Sam had already served three years on the panel and played a part in selecting the Australian team that won both the overall men’s and ladies’ trophies at the 2012 world championships – the best performance by any country since the event’s inception in 1966.

The year 2012 has been yet another year of innovation by Cessnock Archery Club, who are once again nominated in the administrator category.

The club has started a local club level indoor archery competition at East Cessnock Bowling Club’s indoor bowling rinks where participation has been quite good and consistent during this past 12 months.

Cessnock Archers have also been successful in an application to hold the inaugural 3DAAA Indoor Australian Championships at East Cessnock Bowling Club in September 2013, which both clubs are extremely excited about.

This event will see more than 150 local and interstate competitors visit our city over that weekend.

Keith Onslow was the Newcastle Knights high performance manager from September 2011 to November 2012.

Among his major achievements are the establishment and implementation of the Newcastle Knights junior and senior high performance academy, Central Coast Academy of Sport Rugby League Program, Talent ID Database, Pre Trial Testing Combine and the integration of the Newcastle Knights into the CRL Northern Academy.

He was appointed NSW Country Rugby League’s regional area manager (Hunter and Central Coast) as part of the ARL Commission National Game Development and Integration Plan. 

The organisers have also decided to present a special award to Abermain Hawks Rugby League Club in recognition of the club’s centenary this year.

Kurri swimmer Charlie Hawke was omitted from the list of junior nominations when announcements were made and becomes a finalist for August.

Charlie picked up two medals at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in August.

The Holy Spirit Primary School student won silver in the 10-years boys’ 50-metre freestyle and gold as a member of the NSW 4x50-metre relay team.

The awards presentation night will be held at Cessnock Supporters Club on Friday, April 5. Nominees will receive invitations in the post this week. For more information, phone The Advertiser on 4990 1244.