SHANE HURNDELL
It was the year of the Hawks in the 2006 national basketball league.
But will the 0800 Easy LPG Hawks inaugural Primo NBL title produce success at the Gen-i 2006 Hawke's Bay Sports Awards? That's a major question following the release of finalists in the 11 categories for the March 30 function at Taradale's Pettigrew-Green Arena.
Including regular Hawks referee Shane Nikora the Hawks are represented in five of the categories. After winning the NBL administrator of the year award for a third time Hawks boss Jeremy Bayliss must be considered a favourite for the administrator award.
Likewise Hawks coach Shawn Dennis in the coach category. In addition to his success with the Hawks Dennis was also assistant coach of the Tall Ferns who collected a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.
The Hawks are among the favourites in the senior team category and captain Paora Winitana who collected the NBL MVP award and was named in the league's All Star Five is a finalist in the senior category. Winitana faces tough competition from surf lifesaving's world ski race champion Nikki Cox, Commonweath Games Sevens gold medalist and New Zealand captain Tafai Ioasa, shearing's Dion King and equestrian's Simon Wilson.
The 2005 Hawke's Bay Sportsperson of the Year, rower Emma Twigg, is again a finalist in the junior section alongside world rugby champion Amy Williams, sailing's James Sandall, surf lifesaver Daniel Moodie and cyclist Westley Gough.
Winners of the senior and junior team, masters, senior and junior categories become finalists for the function's premier award - the 2006 Hawke's Bay Sportsperson of the Year.
Entertainment will be provided by MC Andrew Dewhurst and Sunday Drive. Tickets are on sale at Sport Hawke's Bay.
SPORTS AWARDS: Can Hawks succeed?
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