There was an overwhelming cricket theme at last night’s 26th Annual Sports Awards at Hamilton Princess — but it was a cyclist and a triathlete who stole the show.

Unlike last year when cricket’s Janeiro Tucker — the man who captained Bermuda to their historic first World Cup won the award — triathlete turned pro cyclist Tyler Butterfield broke away from the rest of the pack to claim this year’s coveted Male Athlete of the Year Award.

It came as no real surprise when Sports Director Norbert Simons — who once used to burn up the track — announced the extraordinarily talented Flora Duffy as Female Athlete of the Year as her results last year clearly made her stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Yet cricket could still bask in the limelight as the ‘smiling assassin’, Bermuda’s national team captain Irving Romaine — nephew of the legendary Cal Bummy Symonds who really needs no introduction — was the proud recipient of a special Achievement Award and Minister’s Award for his exploits with the willow at the highest level.

But not even Romaine’s and Bermuda’s first ODI (One Day International) half-century and century, nor the fact he led the Island to a maiden Americas Championship in Ontario last August could deny Butterfield from sneaking in through the back door and walking away with the night’s biggest prize.

Then there was Bermuda’s pro golfing sensation Michael Sims — who fired a sizzling 67 Down Under yesterday to offer further proof that he is indeed a force to be reckoned with — who could be forgiven for thinking he was probably robbed.

But while many might have left last night’s awards somewhat surprised over the final recipient for the men’s award, one just couldn’t take away the fact that Butterfield — in his own right — was no less deserving.

After all the 25-year old placed a highly-creditable 11th at last spring’s Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, wore the coveted leader’s jersey after the first stage of the Tour of Guadeloupe, placed sixth at the 2006 Caribbean Cycling Championships and then signed a new contract with US pro outfit T11-Cref who will compete this year in Europe on the continental pro circuit.

Yet even he was surprised having beat out the likes of Sims — a heavy pre-ceremony favourite and Romaine.

“I was very surprised actually. Last year was a great year and it was great to make the jump from amateur to professional. So that was a big achievement for me,” said Butterfield, who also walked away with an achievement award.

“It was big jump for me to turn from amateur to professional, but I am surprised to get it this year because I have only been a professional for six weeks of which I’ve only done two races. So I actually haven’t done a full year of professional racing yet.”

Duffy’s coronation as the Island’s sports queen proved that at least someone on the awards selection committee got it right.

“To win this I’m really honoured and it is really amazing,” she smiled, after being fanatically snapped away at by a bevy photographers as though the ballroom was one of those Law and Order crime scenes.

But even Duffy admitted trying to emulate last year’s feats — let alone top them — will be a task in itself.

“It’s really going to be hard to top it, but I have been training very hard. I’ve stepped up my training this year in order to have an even better year.”

Undoubtedly, trying to book passage to next year’s Olympic Games in Beijing ranks high on Duffy’s list of objectives.

“My goal this year is to place in the top 15 at every World Cup event,” she said.

“I’m in the Olympic qualification right now, and so if I can have another solid year I should be there.”

But while both Butterfield and Duffy enjoyed nights to remember, one couldn’t help but wonder how on earth Sims could be snubbed for an award that seemed to be his for the taking.

After all, he only qualified for the Nationwide Tour — the last stop before the PGA — last November — by far the biggest achievement in local golf since UBP senator Kim Swan graced the European Tour.

Bermuda Golf Association president Bob Legere probably should’ve been presented with an award of his own, such was the eloquent manner in which he accepted perhaps the night’s biggest shock.

“I’m disappointed that Michael wasn’t selected, only because I’ve been so close to him for many years,” he said.

“But I think you have to give credit where its due. And I know that Tyler has worked hard to achieve what he has and should be honoured, and I think it’s great that he is being honoured.”

One also had to agree, based on Sims’ performance Down Under yesterday, that it’s only a matter of time before his name is carved on the silver showpiece.

“I’m sure that Michael is on the verge of greatness,” Legere added.

“He is in a very competitive sport, one that’s on television every weekend being highlighted. And so I’m sure we’re going to see more of Michael.”

And hopefully not a repeat of what probably amounted to the biggest snub ever at the coveted annual awards ceremony.

If it was any consolation, Sims at least received another one of those Government achievement awards that will probably end up forgotten somewhere buried in the garage.

With the decor in the backdrop depicting a life-size picture of Bummy Symonds executing a classic front foot drive through the covers, it was inevitable cricket would make an entrance.

And who better to make the breakthrough other than the affable Romaine, who called for the country to throw their weight behind his team as they prepare for what will be the biggest challenge of their lives.

“We’ve had negative publicity and negative comments made about us. But people must remember that we are playing against some of the best cricketers in the world,” Bermuda’s national cricket team skipper said.

“This is the equivalent of us packing our bags and going off to play against Brazil. We are trying our best, and will try our best in the World Cup.

“So just support us because we are going to make Bermuda proud.”

Former St.George’s Cup Match star bowler and batsman Lee Raynor received a standing ovation from those in attendance — and he was thoroughly deserving of every ounce of it.

“This was a very special moment, and I was really surprised to even have been nominated,” said Raynor, who still shares the highest batting partnership (229) along with Rupert Scotland in Cup Match.

“To see people like Bummy Symonds and other great players here tonight gives me so many good memories,” he added, as he was mobbed by family members.

Sandwiched between a slew of sports citations that were handed out to those who have contributed to local sport in one way or the other, and also to Bermuda’s 2004 World Cup qualifying squad and 1976 men’s relay team, were the Minister’s Awards that were cupped by cricketer Romaine and footballer Keith Jennings.

“I like to dedicate this award to my mother (Lenamay) who has stood by me since the day I started,” a passionate Jennings said. And not to be forgotten was late sports administrator and referee Aldwin Savery, who received a special achievement award which was, perhaps, testament to the legacy he left behind for others to follow.