18 and under stars dominate award

IN the last day of looking at the possible candidates for the HotShots Award 2009, we take a look at those stars who are 18 and under.

In each of the four years since the award was started, it has been awarded to a young sporting star who has been between the age of 16 and 18.

At this age, many youngsters have reached the peak of their sporting development ahead of making the step up into seniors and tend to be given more opportunities to win honours on an international stage.

The likes of throwing stars Pete Smith and Matt Hunt have had this chance in 2009.

Smith made the final of the hammer where he finished eighth at the European Junior Championships in Serbia, while Hunt just missed out on a place in the final in the javelin.

Smith has also broken the British junior record numerous times this year, which was held by older brother Alex – a former winner of the HotShots Award.

The duo both ended the year with national junior titles, with Wyke College's Hunt also impressing on Sky TV in winning the English Schools title.

Ice skater Toni Murray has capped off another productive year in her development into the senior ranks and has been picked for the British junior squad for a competition in Belarus later this month.

Also on the ice, Thorngumbald's Beth Davis made a superb return to action with Hull's women's team less than a year after breaking her neck – scoring and being named player of the match on her first game back.

Also shining with a hockey stick has been Pocklington's Abbie Brant who helped England under-16s win the Home Nations Cup in field hockey, while also shining on tours of Germany and Ireland.

The sport of darts, meanwhile, has never been stronger in Hull with Leon Bailey and Reece Robinson leading the way.

Bailey, 18, from Bransholme, won the British Teenage Open title for the second year running, while Robinson won the British Masters senior tournament.

Two bowling sensations have also made the step up to England level with Clare Shave (tenpin bowling) regaining her under-16s squad place and Hornsea's Scott Burrell being picked for both the indoor and outdoor lawn bowls England under-25 squad.

Other stars to shine have been Bransholme's Billy Barrett, picked for the England under-18s pool team, Hull Ionians centre Will Heylings, picked for the England under-16s rugby union team, and opening batsman Dominic Rhodes, who has captained Fenner to a successful campaign.

Hull Ionians under-16s and under-15s also won te Yorkshire Cup, while Hull Chevrons under-16s made the national finals, as did St Mary's College's badminton squad.

If you know somebody who deserves the accolade of being crowned the 2009 HotShots Award winner then you have to let us know for them to be considered.

To nominate someone simply write to us at: HotShots, Mail News and Media, Beverley Road, Hull, HU3 1XS or send an email to hotshots@mailnewsmedia.co.uk.

You need to tell us the following information about the individual you are nominating: Their name, age, what sport they play, who they compete for, where they live and a contact telephone number and why you think they deserve to win, including a few of their achievements over the last year.

The closing date for entries is September 22 by 5pm and the winner will be surprised with the award soon after this, while the top five will be announced in HotShots.