Matt Banahan scored four tries in an England shirt this year, three of them in Tests against Argentina. Picture: Dave Thompson/PA Wire

JERSEY have two high-profile professional sportsmen in the running for the 2009 Sportingbet Sports Personality of the Year Award – rugby international Matt Banahan and AFC Bournemouth footballer Brett Pitman.

The pair, however, face strong opposition from three Guernsey stars in the form of Heather Watson, Alison Merrien and Jeremy Frith. Tennis star Watson won the US Junior Open while top international bowler Merrien, last year’s winner, had another fantastic year.

Cricketer Frith claimed back-to-back player of the tournament accolades after remarkable performances in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division Seven and then Division Six.

Jersey’s Banahan, who made his full England rugby debut this summer and won the CI award in 2007, and League Two striker Brett Pitman, who has 14 goals to his name this term get on the shortlist after a record number of nominations in the various categories – 303. Channel Islanders are now able to vote for their favourite on line or by telephone.