Devonshire Cougars' prolific marksman Raymond (Packy) Beach missed out on what might have been his finest hour in domestic football at Bermuda Football Association's Awards Ceremony at Ocean View Golf Club on Saturday night.

Beach captured the prestigious Most Valuable Player, Young Player of the Year and the Premier Division's leading goalscoring awards.

But proving to be just as elusive as he is on the football pitch, the 19-year-old striker was nowhere to be found when summoned to the podium.

The gifted forward helped end Cougars' 2002-03 campaign on a bright note after the club had seen a season full of promise end in despair. Celebratory chants of "ole" deafened those seated in the club every time the name Beach was called as Cougars finally exorcised ghosts of the past season.

The Devonshire club had reached the Martonmere Cup, Friendship Trophy and FA Cup semi-finals and finished as runners-up to league and FA Cup champions North Village, the night's other big winners, in the Premier Division.

"Personally, I think that it's a testament to his true commitment. Not just to the team because he also makes a personal commitment at every training session.

"He takes football very serious and I think that is second to none, especially in these times when you don't see as many players putting the time in to their game. Hopefully this will encourage other players to actually put the commitment in so that they too can reap some reward," commented Cougars official Quilton Joell.

Beach, upon being informed by friends of his achievement, finally showed up. However, the talented player, evidently overcome with emotion, declined to speak to The Royal Gazette.

The striker, who netted 20 goals during the past season, also topped the scoring charts. Ireland Rangers striker Henry Santucci received this year's top scoring award among the First Division ranks.

Though failing to make a clean sweep of awards, Village managed to walk away with three of the top prizes. Last year's MVP Kentoine Jennings was chosen as the league's best defender for the second consecutive year, Dwayne (Streaker) Adams the best goalkeeper while Scott Morton, a heavy favourite, retained the coveted Coach of the Year Award.

"First of all I would like to thank the BFA for putting on a wonderful presentation. I must offer my thanks to them (BFA) and also to my players. Without them I would not be in this position. It's hard coaching at times, but to be here at the end of the season is certainly rewarding," said Morton, who was celebrating his birthday.

Meanwhile, emerging as the night's biggest winner among the women was PHC's Kimmeisha Perinchief who walked away with both the Most Valuable Player and Goalkeeper of the Year Awards.

Dandy Stars' Damina Caisey captured the best defender award, departing Rude Girls coach Vance Brown the Coach of the Year Award, and PHC's Shuntae Todd the Young Player of the Year Award.

Rude Girls' Chevonne Furbert was presented with the women's top goalscoring award for the second year in a row.

"I was shocked," exclaimed Perinchief afterwards. "I think that Chevonne (Furbert) and Tashana (Wade) are two of the best players in Bermuda and I don't know . . . I guess that I kind of underestimated myself.

"I was away in school last year but this year I returned and did the best that I could do to help my team advance through to the FA Cup final and to a second place finish in the league."

Also honoured at Saturday's presentation for long and dedicated service as administrators of the sport were Debra Wilkin, Sandra Bean, Lucille Woolridge, Patricia Seymour, Edith Beek, Doronda (Dee) Smith, Sonia Holder and former "Big Blue Machine" national softball team captain Diane Hunt.

In addition, all of the champions from the Island's respective leagues received both cash and prizes for their accomplishments, while First Division FA Cup finalists Prospect and women's team Robin Hood Hurricanes captured the men's and women's Fair Play Awards.

Veteran FIFA referee Lyndon Raynor received the Official of the Year Award while colleague Cornell Castle was proud recipient of the Most Improved Official of the Year Award.

Also, all participants of the recent English FA coaching course were on hand to receive their certificates from BFA president Larry Mussenden. Sports Minister Randy Horton was on hand to present some of the awards.