Sport Awards: Williamson beats world-class field

Kane Williamson, right, receives the Bayleys Real Estate Sportsman of the Year award from Julian Dean. Photo / Simon Neate

Kane Williamson is used to gaining accolades but Friday night's Bay of Plenty Sports Awards at ASB Arena was particularly special for him.

The record-breaking Black Caps batsman won the coveted Bayleys Real Estate Sportsman of the Year award ahead of a world-class group of nominees in fellow Black Cap Trent Boult, sailing superstar Peter Burling, Olympic rower Adam Ling and All Black Sam Cane.

Williamson admitted he would not have voted for himself, as he accepted the award from former Tour de France cyclist and MC for the evening Julian Dean.

"It is so hard to compare sports. It really could have gone to anyone but it is great to receive this award amongst so many fantastic athletes in different fields," Williamson said.

"They have done so many special things, so to ultimately get the award is a good feeling and something to be proud of. This event is celebrating success and a lot of voluntary work and coaches, so it is really good."

Williamson is with the Black Caps squad in Dunedin preparing for the first test against Sri Lanka starting on Thursday.

He loved being briefly back home in Tauranga after all the media attention he faced in Australia during the recent test series.

"The funny part about interviews over there is they certainly hype the game up a lot. It is their number one national sport, so that's valid."

He was beaten to the Sport Bay of Plenty Supreme Award by world champion kayaker Lisa Carrington, who was unable to attend.

Carrington won from an impressive line-up of Olympians in rowers Julia Edward and Zoe Stevenson, BMX rider Sarah Walker and canoe slalom's Luuka Jones to take out the Holland Beckett Lawyers Sportswoman of the Year.

Golfer Danny Lee's US-based brother Ben accepted the Farmer Autovillage International Sportsperson of the Year award on his behalf, while Aquinas College golfer Alannah Campbell's outstanding year was recognised with the Secondary School Sportswoman of the Year award.

Mount Maunganui Harbourside Netball Centre picked up the Aquaplus Club of the Year award.

Chief executive Helen Dodge said it was nice appreciation for all the hard work that the team and volunteers put into running an organisation overseeing thousands of competitors.

"It is an absolute privilege to get the recognition, especially for the volunteers who are the ones who really make it all happen."

Life member Sharon Pratt was proud to be part of the celebrations for a club she helped set up 50 years ago.