Joy for KCs and Crummy as they top Shuttle polls (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Joy for KCs and Crummy as they top Shuttle polls

9:35am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Sport

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians and Brendan Crummy have emerged triumphant to win The Shuttle’s Sports Club and Personality of the Year awards.

KCs became the first winners of the competition after topping our online vote.

They saw off a stiff challenge from Kidderminster and Stourport AC, who were second in the ballot, Wyre Forest CRC, Bewdley Tennis Club and Wyre Forest Swimming Club.

The club have savoured a remarkable 12 months. The first team have been transformed from relegation battlers in the Midlands Two West (South) to pushing for the top three after the hard work of head coach Ian Bletcher and director of rugby Phil Knowles.

The Marlpool Lane outfit also boasts a successful colts and ladies side, as well as a popular minis and juniors section, and boasts 350 players at all age levels.

Chairman Keith Skirving said: “We’re delighted to be named The Shuttle’s first ever Club of the Year.

“It was a great battle but in the end I think we had more members than some of the other clubs we were up against.

“But it was great to see everyone at the club from the minis and juniors to the ladies, colts and seniors really rally around.

“It means a lot to win this competition, it raises our profile and helps us attract new members and players.

“Twelve months ago the first team were struggling but now there’s a buzz around the club and that’s because everyone is pulling together.”

Meanwhile, Samurai Judo Club star Crummy won the poll to find the Sports Personality of the Year.

He got the most votes in a high quality field, which included Olympians Amy Smith and Alison Young, as well as Paralympic medal winner Claire Cashmore and tandem duo Phil Hunt and Chris Morris.

The former Bewdley High School pupil enjoyed a breakthrough year for Samurai. His greatest acheivement was winning gold at the Dai-Ippo International Open in Holland.

The black belt also was crowned British Kata Champion and won silvers at the Brugge and Brussels Opens.

Head coach Andrew Haffner said: “In all my 30 years of coaching, Brendan is just the nicest person I have ever worked with.

“The gold he won in Holland was probably his best result. Brendan is well-respected and he thoroughly deserves to win the title.”