Team of the Year – England women’s cricket team

Not since the 1950s, the halcyon days for the sport, has English cricket been able to boast that it possesses a champion team — undisputed champions, that is, in all forms of the game — but the past 11 months have managed to dispel that notion. The England women’s team, virtually dominant every time they have picked up a bat or ball, arguably enjoyed the perfect season, winning every competition that they contested. It would be interesting to see if there is any room left in the trophy cabinet.

Superbly led by captain Charlotte Edwards, the women’s cricketers were crowned ICC (50-over) World Cup champions in Sydney in March, for the third time in their history but the first time abroad; became the inaugural Twenty20 winners three months later on home soil with a comfortable six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final; beat the Australians four times in the NatWest Series, the first One-Day Series win against their great rivals since 1976 – a probable 5-0 whitewash was averted because of a no result at Lord’s – and then the Ashes were retained following a drawn (one-off) Series at Worcester’s New Road.

Also nominated: Gillian Cooke and Nicola Minichiello (bobsleigh duo), Great Britain women’s canoe polo team

Presented by: Bryony Shaw, Olympic bronze-medal winning windsurfer

CCPR Lifetime Achievement Award – Rachael Heyhoe-Flint

Given the profound effect she has had on women’s cricket across the world and on the participation of women in sport in general, it was about time that The Sunday Times recognised the lifelong achievements of Rachael Heyhoe-Flint.

A household name, Heyhoe-Flint made her Test debut against South Africa in Port Elizabeth in 1960, the start of an international career that saw her play her last Test 19 years later. She was the first woman to hit a six in Test cricket and held the record for the highest number of Test runs scored by a woman upon retirement.

Since leaving the playing arena, the former PE teacher and newspaper journalist has ensured that sport has been at the forefront of her life. She has been the president of the Lady Taverners for the past eight years, helping to raise more than £7.5m for youngsters with special needs, and ten years ago she became an honorary member of the MCC.

Now 70, Heyhoe-Flint remains one of the great ambassadors of British sport, inspiring those around her with her tireless efforts and endeavours.

Presented: Brigid Simmonds, chair of CCPR

Sport England Community Club Volunteer Award – Cathy Rooney