Wrestlers grapple European medals
Members of Hamilton Backhold Wrestling Club represented Team Scotland at the European Championships in Bruck, Austria, returning with medals and a gold championship.
Ten teams entered the competition, Austria, Iceland, England, Scotland, France, Spain, Sardinia, Congo and the USA, making it effectively the World Championships.
Most of the medals were won by Hamilton wrestlers; Victoria Kirk won bronze in girls’56kg backhold, Katie Mccullagh won bronze at 63kg in the junior section.
In the seniors section Greg Neilson won gold and is European champion at 74kg, Ryan Ferry won silver in 68kg and Samuel Mccrory took fifth place in 62kg.
Coach Mark Johnstone, who was a referee in Austria, said:“team Scotland was made up of wrestlers from Hamilton and Carnoustie, but most of the medals were for wrestlers who came from Hamilton.
“They have been absolutely superb; we’ve been at two competitions this year and done really well.
“Backhold is the oldest martial art going about and we’ve taken medals over the years, but this is the first time we’ve had a European champion in Greg Neilson.
“The coaches are so proud.”