England exploits see Bosley overpowered
‘ Walk-forward’ tactic pays dividends for host nation as they save energy to secure third
BOSLEY Tug of War Club travelled to Belfast to represent England in the UK Outdoor Tug of War Championships.
While athletes from the home nations were representing their countries in Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games, Bosley were representing England A in the 600kg weight class against the A and B teams from the other home nations.
It’s an honour they earned by reaching the final of the 600kg competition at the English National Tug of War Championships in June, performing above all expectations to win the silver medal.
Bosley had a tough start but defeated a strong Wales A team by two ends to nil before picking up points against all of the other teams, apart from Northern Ireland A who were the current holders of the UK 600kg title.
At the end of the group stages, they had a tough contest against England B, who were represented by Somerset team Felton Eccles, which ended all square at one end each.
In the semi-finals, the England teams met each other again, while the B team from Northern Ireland chose to walk forward against their A team, settling with a place in the bronze medal match.
In the all-England semifinal, the first end – which lasted almost six minutes – was won by Felton Eccles, and they booked their place in the final with victory in the second end, leaving Bosley to fight it out for the bronze.
Northern Ireland B had walked forward in all four of the previous ends to preserve energy for a chance of winning bronze, rather than going for a place in the final, while the Bosley lads’ previous four ends totalled more than 15 minutes.
In the bronze medal match England A gave a good account of themselves against a much fresher team but the home team’s rest paid dividendsas they won in two ends.
Meanwhile Northern Ireland A retained the title, defeating England B in the final.
The second day of competition was the UK Open Club competition, with Bosley finishing third overall in the 580kg competition.
Club spokesman Alan Knott said: “We have been punching well above our weight this year.
“With the majority of our squad being new members this year, to make a national final and go on to represent England at the UK championships is a fantastic achievement.
“This weekend was another huge step up, we competed really well, and earned a lot of respect by trying to get to the final.
“It was a huge learning curve, and everyone will have gained valuable experience, ready for when we are looking to challenge for titles again next year.
“We thank our sponsors Bollington Brewing Company and A Etchells and Son.”
Bosley will be representing Cheshire at the Inter County Championships before the end of the 2014 season in September, after which they’ll concentrate on building a strong squad for next season.
For further information or to join in with a training session, visit bosleytugofwar.co.uk