2021 British and Irish Outdoor Tug of War Championships Results
The British and Irish Outdoor Tug of War Championships were this year hosted by the Northern Ireland Tug of War Association in Coleraine. Originally planned to be hosted by the Republic of Ireland and due to differing travel rules between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland stepped in at short notice to host this years event at the same venue when the championships were last held in 2019. It was great to have a “mini international” take place after the 2020 tug of war season was cancelled.
Photo: England A 600kg team represented by Bedfordshire
England travelled over to the event with a squad of mens and ladies teams, with Lincoln, Bedfordshire, Felton Eccles, Bedford Ladies, Army Ladies and Melton Mowbray Ladies representing England in the mens. Ladies and mixed weight classes. Due to some clubs being unable to represent this year, composite B teams were formed in the mens 600kg and the mixed 680kg competition.
All in all, it was a great weekend for the English teams, winning gold in all of the closed competitions, along with silver and bronze medals across a number of weight classes.
Photo: England B 600kg team represented by a composite team
The mens 600kg was won by the composite team representing England B. Bedfordshire represented England A for the first time, and despite not making the cross-over, gave a great account of themselves and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve on the circuit next year. England B defeated Northern Ireland in the final. The final can be watched below.
Photo: England A Ladies 520kg team represented by Army Ladies
The Ladies 520kg was an all England final, won by Bedford Ladies who represented England B, with England A, represented by Army Ladies winning the silver medal. The final can be watched below.
Photo: England B ladies 520kg team represented by Bedford Ladies
The Mixed 580kg saw Bedford Ladies and Lincoln join forces to represent England as England A and a composite team was formed to represent England B. England A progressed all the way to the final, where they met Scotland A in the final, and secured another good gold medal by 2 ends to 0. The bronze medal match saw England B face Northern Ireland, and after a tough 3 ends of tug of war, England B had to settle for 4th place.
Photo: England A Mixed 580kg team represented by Lincoln and Bedford Ladies
Photo: England A 680kg team represented by Lincoln
Open Competition Results
The day following the closed competition, the open club competition took place, with more medals won by English clubs. The results were as follows:
