A PAIR of Warrington Rowing Club coaches scooped top prizes at the sport’s annual awards ceremony.

John McQuillian and Richard Sinnott were jointly awarded the Coach of the Year prize in the club performance category at the British Rowing Volunteer Awards at Cutlers’ Hall.

Gill Laidlaw was also recognised with a regional volunteer award for her work in helping to run courses and attract new members to the Howley Lane club.

“It’s always nice to be recognised nationally,” said vice-chairman Sinnott, who found out he was an award winner on his 55th birthday.

“I didn’t have a clue and it came as a total surprise. But I found out on my birthday, so that was nice.

“It’s quite a big team, so it’s recognition for the whole coaching team. John and I run the same squad.”

Sinnott recognised the contribution of teenager Lucy Glover’s success this season and her achievements were reflected in the pair’s nomination.

“Richard has been described as the ‘king pin’ and John as a ‘devout supporter’ of Warrington Rowing Club,” said the National Coaching Committee panel.

“Over many years, they have each spent around 15 hours per week coaching at the club and have achieved outstanding results with their junior squad.

“A double win at the Pairs Head and first-time qualification for Henley Royal Regatta are just two of their notable successes this season.

“Their star sculler Lucy Glover won gold at National Schools Regatta, Henley Women’s Regatta, the GB/France Match and Coupe de la Jeunesse.”

Women’s captain Laidlaw has helped the club grow through rowing courses, increasing Warrington’s participation in inter-regional events and inspiring former members to return to the sport.

“The club now has 20 complete novices who can scull and have enjoyed themselves so much that they have stayed to form the club’s newly re-incorporated recreational rowing group,” read her nomination.

“Some have progressed through to the senior competitive rowing squads, ensuring fresh blood into the club and more competition for places.”

British Rowing chairman Annamarie Phelps said: “The annual awards celebrate the countless ways our members contribute to the sport.

“From umpiring and coaching through to officiating and administrating, they really are the glue that binds our great sport together. I would like to thank every one of you for the time you devote to rowing.”