13 June 2021 - Bedford Ladies TOWC Open Competition Results
Nine weight classes and clear skies set for a busy and very warm day at Bedford Ladies’ competition. Men’s teams from Lincoln, Felton Eccles, Essex, Bosley, Thames Valley, Norton, Bedfordshire, Oxney Vines Cross and ladies teams from Bedford Ladies, Bedfordshire, Army Ladies, Melton Mowbray, Upton on Severn and youth from Oxon all made their way to Kempston for a good day’s sport.
Photo: Army Ladies
The first competition was the men’s catchweight, five teams entered form Bedfordshire, Bosley, Essex, Lincoln and Felton Eccles. Lincoln fielded a strong team and won the group with maximum 12 points, Essex were second with 9 points, Bedfordshire were third. The final between Lincoln and Essex was won 2-0 by Lincoln in 9 & 12 seconds.
Photo: Bosley
The ladies 560kg was run in tandem with the catchweight. Five teams entered, Oxon (youth), Melton Mowbray, Bedfordshire, Bedford Ladies and Army Ladies. After the group stage, Bedford Ladies and Melton Mowbray had drawn 1-1 with each other so topped the league with 10 points each but as Bedford Ladies were the lighter team they went into the final as group winners against 2nd placed Melton Mowbray. The final gave Melton a point to prove as they won 2-0 in 1m.29s and 1m.14s.
Photo: Melton Mowbray Ladies
The men’s 640kg was next with 6 teams entered. Felton Eccles, Norton, Lincoln, Essex, Oxney Vines Cross and Bedfordshire. Norton scored maximum 15 points with Oxney and Lincoln tied for second place, however as Oxney were the lighter team they went through to meet Norton in the final. Norton won 2-0 in 59s and 1m.13s.
Photo: Norton
Whilst the 640kg was going on the officials had to push through both the ladies 500kg & 520kg. Starting with the 500kg the teams entered were Bedford Ladies, Bedfordshire, Army Ladies, Melton Mowbray and Oxon (youth). Bedford Ladies got the maximum 12 points with Melton Mowbray placed second with 7 points having dropped 2 points against Army Ladies who were third. The 520kg followed straight after with the same teams entered as in the 500kg. Bedford Ladies won the group with maximum 12 points with Bedfordshire gaining second place with 9 points. Melton Mowbray were third with 6 points.
Photo: Bedford Ladies
The 600kg was next. Teams entered were Bedford Ladies, Oxney Vines Cross, Norton, Lincoln, Bosley and Bedfordshire. Norton pulled very well and topped the group with 15 points, Oxney Vines Cross were second with 10 points having dropped 2 points drawing with Lincoln who finished third. The final between Norton and Oxney was won 2-0 by Norton.
Photo: Lincoln
The ladies 540kg was next and was run in tandem with the men’s 680kg. Teams entered into the 540kg were Army Ladies, Bedford Ladies, Melton Mowbray, Upton on Severn and Bedfordshire. Bedford Ladies and Melton Mowbray dominated this group finishing with 10 points each. They drew 1-1 with each other in the group and could only be separated by weight, Melton Mowbray came out winners as they were the lighter team.
Photo: Bedfordshire Ladies
The men’s 680kg had six teams entered, they were Norton, Thames Valley, Bedfordshire, Essex, Lincoln A & B. Norton had straight wins all through the group and topped it with 15 points. Lincoln A were runners up with 12 points. The final turned out to be the best pull of the day. The first end was won by Lincoln A after 2m.42s. they almost won the second end but Norton put in a great effort to pull Lincoln over the line after 1m.6s. This called for a third end, Norton won the toss and decided to stay where they were. This pull was over in 39s and was won by Norton.
Photo: Essex TOWC
The last weight of the day was the mixed 4x4 600kg competition. Four teams entered, Upton on Severn, Bedfordshire A & B and Essex. Bedfordshire A won the group with 6 points having lost to their B team along the way. Bedfordshire B were joint second with Essex on four points each but as Essex had gained a caution during the competition they were placed third. The final was due to be between Bedfordshire A & B however, as it had been a long hot day they decided to call it quits and share the spoils.
Photo: Bedfordshire Mixed Team
Chief judge on the day was Mr Mick Grimston and he was assisted by Mr Tony Henshaw, Mr Vic Ludkin, Mr Pete Dyer, Mr David Kitchener, Mr Matt Cowlard and Mr Gavin Corden. The important timekeeper/recorders were Mr Mark Williams, Mrs Caroline Kenny, Mrs Wendy Dyer and recorder in training Rachel Lewis.
Report by Gavin Corden
Photos courtesy of Jamie Dewsberry
Photo: Oxon Ladies
Additional photos of the event by Ricky Adderson Photography are available here: 
https://rickyaddersonphotography.co.uk/p904024385?fbclid=IwAR0drQiBfZX6y7rUc2nhuk_xl0qyZnPvPNWc06yJPiEQgeXDa_d8k8aYXC0
