TODAY we continue our countdown to The Gazette Sports Awards in March, we look at the next six sportsmen nominated for the title of The Gazette Sports Personality of the Year.

Simon Appleby - rugby: In recognition of his superb progress as a player and the positive effect he has within the side, "Apples" was appointed the Basingstoke RFC skipper for the new South-West one season. The leading try-scorer last season has continued to lead by example at his preferred open-side flanker berth in 2005-2006, weighing in with 17 tries so far this campaign.

Darryl Still - boxing: (pictured above) He is certainly someone who packs a punch as the town's leading amateur boxer. He had an impressive 2005, winning a magnificent seven straight fights, which led to his selection for the Southern Counties team. His progress did not go unnoticed, as his employers, TAC Europe, are now backing him.

Josh Goodall - tennis: The Basingstoke-born player continued his climb up the world rankings and made his senior singles debut at Wimbledon. Away from SW19, he won his first-ever singles title in a Nottingham Futures tournament and also won a hat-trick of doubles titles.

James Goss - sailing: The teenager represented Great Britain at both the European and World class 420 events during the year. On home waters, he also enjoyed success, finishing second in the Poole Youth Open with one win in the four-race event. He was also fourth in the Lymington Youth Regatta, again collecting another race win.

Aaron Harris - triathlon: The teenager is one of the top juniors in the country and made his Great Britain debut in the autumn, helping his country to the silver medal in the European Youth relay. He is also part of the 20-strong British Triathlon Association world-class programme.

Mark Bernard - ice hockey: The Basingstoke Bison's Canadian head coach and general manager came out of retirement to fill the role of netminder for the club. Within a month of being back between the pipes, he made club history by being the first Bison netminder to score, in a game against the Newcastle Vipers.

First published: Wednesday, February 1, 2006