The first person i was to see as i got the beer in was non other then the Chairman Tom himself with a big glow on his face as he embraced me - i knew then that this could be a big night.
Got chatting to many of the team and had a good talk to Mikey who had calmed down a little since lunch but was still a little on edge as he was looking to avoid his Underachiever title for a 5th straight year.
With all the trophy's on show and with Tom just about still standing we got proceedings under way with the first award to 'Walker of the Year'. (Ultra Man) and Tucks seemed to cover more miles then all of us put together to take it out. A lovely Ken Doll was up for grabs in the Triathlon of the Year and was won by the ever impressive Pete Walker, With anticipation at record levels the Underachiever was next on the menu when all of a sudden i felt many sets of eyes feast on ME , as i broke out in a hot sweat when i heard there were a few nominations for Kane, Enda and Mikey..... but they weren't the winner?????? i nearly did a lap of the Rocks when i heard Champagne Charlie's name read out. Unreal - the man can run 8.32 in a 3000m Steeple Chase, 32 mins 10k, and 9 hour Ironman yet is still not immune from taking Mikey's crown.
In the Ladies, there really wasn't any great surprise when Laura's name was called, although the classy Anna could be giving her a run next year. Biggest Improver of the Year was won by Indrajeet who just pipped Elvis it seemed. Spirit Award of the Night was i thought a certainly with Good Guy High's name a given in my books but what a surprise i had when MIKEY CONWAY'S name was read out. Good job for him that votes were cast before the last 10 days or so. :)
In the big one of the night for Performance of the Year, there were many a good run over the 12 months but one that couldn't be overlooked was that of Tony Fattorini (Fats) for his superb Melbourne Marathon in October. Fats has won 6ft track, and has achieved much in his career but this win will go down as one of his finest he reckons and was seen till the early hours drinking bubbly from the trophy it meant that much to him.
The night was still young at this point as the beers were then in full flow and Kanser was already in Berlin mode telling all that he was out to smash everyone, Enda says he will be working that much harder next year in order to get Mikeys old trophy, whilst Tucks asked me where Lands End and John O Groats was for when he ventures over to the Mother Land early next year.
Tom meanwhile was in all sorts of strife ,and when the hand on the shoulder came from Enda he knew it was time to go and was escorted down the stairs by Enda himself and Richie High put in a taxi and sent packing back over the bridge. ( the sequence of photos what i will put up is comical to see)
Another top night had to finish of another very successful year for the crew and here's hoping that 2013 is even better and there are many a PB for the team.
Some photos from last night - sorry some of the award ones are a little dark
Cheers
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