TODAY we continue our countdown to The Gazette Sports Awards in March as Graham Merry focuses on another five sportsmen and sportswomen nominated for the title of The Gazette Sports Personality of the Year.

JASON BRISTOW - football: The 24-year-old centre half was made Basingstoke Town captain this season and has certainly led by example. He's played despite injury - including a persistent floating bone in his leg - and marshalled the defence with authority, as well as weighing in with his fair share of important goals.

JIM DIXON - rugby: The burly 27-year-old forward is vital to the 'Stoke cause, such is his versatility and strength in the pack. He's played hooker, prop, flanker and number 8 and has yet to miss a game this season.

As both player and coach, he has had a tough introduction to leading a club on and off the pitch, but is putting together a young side that is starting to gel.

BEN HAZELL - athletics: Basingstoke and Mid Hants decathlon star who set a new record for the club of 7,176 points, beating the old record set by his coach Billy Jewers. He also helped his club to fifth spot in the Southern League - their highest position for many years.

SHAWN MALTBY - ice hockey: The Canadian captain of the Bison leads by example and is very much a part of the team's top-scoring line alongside team-mates Mike Ford and Doug Sheppard. As well as having all the tools to make him a top scorer, he is not afraid of the rough as well.

LEE NURSE - cricket: Club captain and opening batsman for Basingstoke and North Hants. Last season, he had a good season with the bat and finished in the top 10 batsmen in the Home Counties League, scoring 112 at Potters Bar in a 115-run victory.