United Kingdom Championship Report
Ballymena
13th & 14th February 2009.

Scotland didn’t manage the all conquering performances of the last two years in Ballymena but there were some excellent performances from individuals and teams.

Scotland’s domination of the 600kg UK Championship continued with an imperious performance throughout by the ` A ` team. They never looked to be in any trouble despite the best efforts of some really good sides. England ` A ` who Scotland beat in the final were the pick of these teams but there are mentions for Scotland ` B ` and Northern Ireland ` A ` and ` B ` who made the contest for the bronze medal a tense and very entertaining affair. The Scots eventually won out here to underline the strength that we have at the light weight.

The 680kg was not a happy place for a Scottish side short on weight and in some cases rope fitness. Nonetheless they were good for  a place in the final Unfortunately on the day England ` A ` had the strongest and fittest team in the event and was  a worthy winner.

The UK Open Club Championship provided the usual thrills, spills and upsets (but only in part). Pride of place goes to Ayrshire’s mixed 580kg team who successfully defended the UK title. The competition was stiffer this year but Ayrshire still was off some very talented sides. Bremore of Eire were beaten in the final in an epic battle.
However this performance showed what could happen when a good team and coach get their tactics exactly right.

The light men of the 560kg gave everyone something to shout about as they battled to a very well deserved bronze medal. The team, in BRC`s gold shirts, thrilled everyone when they had a fantastic tussle with Cockhill of Eire in the group phase. They eventually lost the pull with a pull of over 5 minutes, (the longest of the whole weekend), however revenge was sweet when they comprehensively defeated the same team in winning the bronze medal.

Honourable mentions go to BRC`s 640kg team that finished 4th and the 680kg, again the lightest team in the event, that finished 5th. The 600kg teams from Ayrshire and BRC proved that there is only so much that you can do with a small squad.

Or thanks go to the Northern Ireland Association for daring to be innovative and running an excellent Championship. It was a fantastic presentation dinner. Next time they just need scales that don’t bend.

A special mention goes to Vincent Docherty who was plunged into the role of Chief Marshall at short notice. Maybe if he trains harder next year he can pull instead, it would be a lot less tiring!