Dandenong cleans up at awards

By Paul Pickering
THE accolades came thick and fast for Dandenong at last week’s Basketball Victoria 2007 Annual Awards Dinner.
Dandenong Basketball Association (DBA) was named Association of the Year last Thursday night, while a selection of players, officials and members were recognised for their varying contributions to the powerhouse club.
Rangers star Emily McInerny added to her haul of individual trophies for the 2007/08 WNBL season, accepting the Betty Watson Medal for the Victorian Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, Dandenong referees Daniel Banick and Daniel Chalkley were awarded the top gongs in the Senior and Under-21 Referee of the Year categories.
Dandenong was also well represented in the service categories, with club stalwart Lesley Burgess being presented with one of just four Gold Awards for more than 35 years of service.
Other Service Award recipients included Beverley Craig, Clinton Boyd, Peter Blake, Yvonne Williams, Peter Zhang and David Bocskor.
DBA president Charles Ryan said it was a memorable night for the association.
“We are very proud of being named Basketball Victoria Association of the Year,” he said. “It is a great credit to our dedicated staff and volunteers for their support and commitment.”