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Talisman Beach crowned top-flight MVP

(Photo by Mark Tatem)Dandy Town striker Raymond Beach (right) picks up his Premier Division MVP award from a Digicel representative at the Bermuda Football Association's awards ceremony at the Inferno Lounge last night.

Dandy Town talisman Raymond Beach was recognised for his goalscoring exploits after being named Bermuda Football Association’s Most Valuable Player for the 2011-2012 season.Beach beat off competition from Devonshire Cougars midfielder Chris Caisey to scoop the award at last night’s annual ceremony at Inferno Lounge on North Shore.The former national team and Bermuda Hogges player scored 24 goals in all competitions last season to help Hornets to the Digicel Premier Division title, FA Cup and Dudley Eve.He celebrated his accolade last night with Hornets coach Jomar Wilkinson who won the Coach of the Year award.Beach, who has now won the MVP on three occasions, said: “It’s good to get recognised for what you do and I have to give plenty of credit to my teammates — I couldn’t have scored those goals without them.“I think I actually should have scored more goals but I guess it was one of my best seasons scoring wise.”The 28-year-old is yet to feature for Hornets this term due to family commitments but could return for the St John’s Road side in their Dudley Eve semi-final against North Village this weekend.“I’ve been at home on the couch taking it easy, taking a break, but I have been training a bit,” he said.“We’ve had some good young guys come in and they’ve been playing well. For me it’s a 25-man squad that makes it happen. The team has been doing well without me so I probably couldn’t get back in right now.”Hornets coach Wilkinson paid tribute his players and coaching staff after picking up his award — his first as the team’s head coach.“I’m very pleased but most of all I want to give credit to my players,” he said.“They believe in our philosophy and the way we want to do things. The players and the coaches all did an excellent job last season.“Three years ago when I first came on board with Leroy Wilson we won coach of the year. This time is a bit more special, though, because I’m at the helm.“The players really committed themselves last season and worked hard and these awards are testament that hard work plays off.”The 11th edition of the BFA awards recognised some of the Island’s finest footballers for their outstanding contributions last season, with Keston Lewis claiming the First Division MVP award while Jessica Furtado was named the Women’s League’s top player.Top scorer awards went to Antwan Russell (PHC), Keston Lewis (Flanagan’s Onions) and Jessica Furtado (North Village Lady Rams).Jahron Dickinson of St George’s was named the top-flight’s Young Player of the Year while Ian Coke of Hamilton Parish was won the First Division award.Other awards were handed to Wolves’ John Barry Nusum (First Division Coach of the Year), North Village Lady Rams’ Naquita Robinson (Women’s League Coach of the Year), Martin Wyer (Referee of the Year), Jari Ming (Young Referee of the Year) and Lady Rams’ Kyla Brangman (Women’s League’s Young Player of the Year).Picking up Fair Play awards were Robin Hood (Premier Division) and Ireland Rangers (First Division).Among those present at the ceremony were BFA president Larry Mussenden, National Academy director Richard Todd, Robin Hood coach Kyle Lightbourne and former national team boss Kenny Thompson.Last night’s ceremony saw the draw for the FA Cup preliminary round to be played on Saturday, November 11.Young Men’s Social Club have been drawn against Wolves, North Village face Robin Hood, and Dandy Town play Flanagan’s Onions.The draw will also see Devonshire Colts take on Somerset Trojans. Boulevard face PHC, BAA play Devonshire Cougars and St George’s meet Southampton Rangers. Somerset Eagles received a bye.