New Zealand cricket representative Jacob Duffy is the 2021 ILT Southland Sportsperson of the Year.

The 26-year-old Lumsden-born fast bowler produced a breakthrough performance in his T20 debut for the Blackcaps against Pakistan in December last year, earning man-of-the-match honours with bowling figures of 4-33.

He was later named in the New Zealand squad to tour England, which prepared for two tests against the home side and the World Test Championship final against India.

Duffy, a former Southland Boys’ High School and Southland Hawke Cup star, is based in Dunedin where he has captained the Otago cricket team in recent seasons.

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The 2021 ILT Southland Sports Awards, which are hosted by Sport Southland on behalf of the Southland Amateur Sports Trust, were staged at Ascot Park Hotel with a range of outstanding achievements recognised.

Talented young motorbike racer Cormac Buchanan was named Vodafone Junior Sportsperson of the Year after taking out the 300 SuperSport Championship, winning all but one event in his debut season in the senior ranks.

Buchanan is currently travelling through Europe and England after being invited to take part in the Red Bull Rookies series.

The Southland men’s masters golf team won the NZME Masters Achievement category after becoming the first Southland team to win a medal in 34 years at the Freyberg Masters, the national masters golf tournament.

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The Southland men’s bowls team won the Southland Kia Team of the Year award after being the first Southland team to win the title in the 51-year history of the national intercentre tournament.

Selected to umpire in the Constellation Cup series between the Silver Ferns and Australia, Kristie Simpson was named the Creation Signs Official of the year.

Scott Eade’s ability to create an inclusive and overachieving culture with the Southland under 18 mixed touch team, who won silver at the Youth Nationals tournament, saw him named Ricoh Southland Coach of the Year.

Invercargill Parkrun founder Liz Henry was named BDO Administrator of the Year.

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Invercargill Blues stalwart Daniel Townson, who has played more than 250 premier games for his club, was voted by the public as the Southland Times’ Unsung Hero.

Golfer Liam Hewitt was awarded the Mike Piper Trophy for the Academy Southland athlete who has best represented the values of commitment, integrity, and excellence.

Four Sport Southland Services to Sport awards were also presented to volunteers who have made a significant impact in their respective codes.

Mary and Tony Ineson, who have been organising the popular Wednesday Worlds cycling event for the past 50 years, marching official Robyn Powell, athletics coach and judge Lilian Tudor and masters swimming administrator Roger Eagles were all recognised.

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Sport Southland chief executive Brendon McDermott said the caliber of nominations, finalists and category winners had been exceptional in challenging circumstances.

“Southland’s athletes, coaches, officials and administrators have continued to achieve to the highest levels and shown determination, passion and excellence despite the past 12 months being affected by the pandemic. As a community, we can all be very proud of the way sport highlights those values that Southlanders are renowned for.”

ILT Southland Sports Awards 2021

Presented by Sport Southland on behalf of the Southland Amateur Sports Trust

ILT Senior Sportsperson of the Year

Jacob Duffy – cricket

Vodafone Junior Sportsperson of the Year

Cormac Buchanan – motorsport

BDO Administrator of the Year

Liz Henry – Parkrun

Ricoh Southland Coach of the Year

Scott Eade – Touch

Creation Signs Official of the Year

Kristie Simpson – Netball

Southland Kia Team of the Year

Southland men’s bowls team – Bowls

NZME Masters Achievement

Southland men’s masters golf team – Golf

Mike Piper Trophy

Liam Hewitt – Golf

The Southland Times People’s Choice Unsung Hero

Daniel Townson – Rugby

Sport Southland Services to Sport

Mary and Tony Ineson – Cycling

Robyn Powell – Marching

Lilian Tudor – Athletics

Roger Eagles – Swimming