31/05/2021 - Shropshire Open Tug of War Championships 2021 Results
Nine clubs descended upon Cressage for the Shropshire County Open Championship which was held in glorious sunshine. They were Melton Mowbray Ladies, Upton on Severn Ladies, Bedford Ladies, Bedfordshire, Essex, Upper Eden, Norton, Lincoln and Bosley.
Photo: Lincoln
The day began with the men’s catchweight; the teams were Lincoln, Essex and Bedfordshire. Lincoln made short work of the group stage and came out on top winning all ends. Essex beat Bedfordshire to meet Lincoln again in the final, which Lincoln won 2-0.
Photo: Essex
The ladies first weight was the 520kg. Four teams, Melton Mowbray, Upper Eden, Bedfordshire and Bedford Ladies. Bedford Ladies topped the group with 7 points having dropped one end to Upper Eden. Melton Mowbray were runners up with 6 points. The final between Bedford Ladies and Melton Mowbray was won by Bedford Ladies.
Photo: Melton Mowbray Ladies
The men’s 680kg was next with 7 teams entered. Norton, Lincoln A, Essex, Lincoln B, Upper Eden, Bosley and Bedfordshire. The longest pull of this weight was the second end between Lincoln B and Essex 2m 6s which Essex won on a disqualification. Norton topped the group on maximum 18 points with Lincoln A coming second with 15 points. Upper Eden were next with 10, Bedfordshire 6, Essex 5, Lincoln B also had 5 points but more cautions, then Bosley. The final went Norton’s way winning 2 ends in 1.34 and 1.22.
Photo: Upper Eden
The ladies 540kg was next. Five teams, Melton Mowbray, Bedfordshire, Upton on Severn, Bedford Ladies and Upper Eden. Bedford Ladies pulled very well all weight and topped the group with 12 points followed by Melton Mowbray with 9 points. Upton on Severn were third, Upper Eden pipped Bedfordshire to fourth spot with fewer cautions. The final went to form with Bedford Ladies winning 2-0.
Photo: Upton upon Severn Ladies
The men’s 640kg followed with four teams entered. Essex, Lincoln, Upper Eden and Bedfordshire. Lincoln was very strong pulling with 7 men and topped the group followed by Upper Eden. Essex were third followed by Bedfordshire. The final was won Lincoln who beat Upper Eden 2-0.
Photo: Befordshire Mixed Team
Ladies 560kg had four teams entered, Melton Mowbray, Upper Eden, Bedfordshire and Bedford Ladies. This time, Melton Mowbray came out as group winners with maximum 9 points, Bedford ladies second with 4 points who were lighter than Upper Eden who also had four points and then Bedfordshire. The final between Bedford Ladies and Melton Mowbray was a victory for Bedford Ladies by 2-0.
Photo: Bedford Ladies
The last men’s weight was the 600kg. Six teams entered; Melton Mowbray, Lincoln A, Norton, Lincoln B, Upper Eden and Bosley. The longest end was 2.08 between Norton and Upper Eden which Norton won, however Upper Eden managed to win the second end to equal things up. Lincoln B won the group with maximum 15 points, second was Norton with 10 points who had pushed Upper Eden into third spot with fewer cautions. Fourth Lincoln A followed by Bosley and Melton Mowbray. In the final between Norton and Lincoln B, Norton turned the tables and came out winners 2-0.
Photo: Bosley
The final weight of the day was the mixed 580kg. Five teams entered; Essex, Bosley, Upton on Severn, Bedfordshire and Upper Eden. Upper Eden was strong throughout this competition and won the group with maximum 12 points. Bedfordshire came second with 9, Essex third with 4 points, Upton on Severn next with 3 and Bosley with 1. The final between Upper Eden and Bedfordshire was won by Upper Eden 2-0.
Photo: Upton upon Severn Mixed Team
The officials on the day were Mrs Wendy Dyer and Mr Mark Williams – Timekeeper/Recorders. Chief judge was Mr Tony Henshaw assisted by Mr Alec Masson, Mr Pete Dyer, Mr Roger Beardsmore, Mr John Gracie and Mr Gavin Corden.
Thanks are expressed to all teams for coming along and making a good days sport and for observing the COVID rules process.
Report courtesy of Gavin Corden.
Photos courtesy of Jamie Dewsberry
Photo: Upper Eden Ladies
Once again, the Tug of War Association would like to congratulate everyone for taking part. The TOWA are always looking to recruit more teams and pullers to the sport, so if you want to join an existing team, start your own team or register your club with us, then please visit our how to join page for further info or visit our club directory page to find a club near to you and to contact them directly to join a training session!
Photo: Norton
Results Summary
