UK Outdoor TOW Championships
On Saturday 20th August a team from Halkirk TOW represented Scotland at the UK Outdoor Tug of War Championships at Bearsden in Glasgow attaining fifth place. Weighing in on the Friday night after some navigational problems, Halkirk, pulling as Scotland A, were the lightest team in the 680kg category.
Preparations on the Saturday morning were hindered by navigational problems yet again with some members of the team choosing to drive to Bearsden via Paisley. After the opening ceremony, Northern Ireland were the 1st opponents. After a 2-0 win, pre-tournament favourites England A were up next. The outstanding team in the competition and eventual winners saw a 2-0 reverse for the lads. England B were a tough proposition but Halkirk were unlucky to not at least take an end off them after moving them 2-3 feet. Scotland B were disposed of 2-0 which led to Jersey. Unfortunately a 1-1 draw was to prove costly with 2-0 defeats against Wales A and Wales B leaving the lads 1 point away from the semi-finals.
The drama was not over yet though as one member of the team was selected for a drug test. After an anxious wait, Andrew Swanson returned with an all-clear verdict, much to the relief of his team-mates.
The team was Michael Macgregor, Willie Budge, Johnnie Campbell, Bruce Swanson Jnr, Bryan Sinclair, John Murray, Graham Gunn and Andrew Swanson. Veteran Bruce Swanson Snr was coach.
Water and resin was always on hand with Mark MacDonald and Gavin Swanson doing a sterling job.
Scottish Championships
A team from Halkirk Tug of War came home triumphant from the Scottish Tug Of War Championships on Sunday 10th July. The Amateur competition is held annually at the Stirling Games. The Halkirk boys took top honours in the 680kg weight category. The newly Crowned Scottish Champions at the 680 kg weight limit were all past or present Halkirk Young Farmers members with coach Bruce Swanson Snr also a former member. Honorary Vice-President Andrew Swanson and current club treasurer and vice Chairman Bryan Sinclair were also part of the team.
The full team was Michael Macgregor, Danny Budge, Jonnie Campbell, Bruce Swanson Jnr, John Murray, Andrew Swanson, Graham Gunn and Brian Sinclair.
The win now means Halkirk qualify to represent Scotland at the British Championships to be held on 20th and 21st August in Bearsden in Glasgow.
The success also resulted in the boys being invited to represent Scotland at the European Championships in Italy which are due to take place in September this year.
So its off to Glasgow on Friday afternoon with the lads pulling at 10.30am on Saturday. Opposition will come from England, Ireland, Wales and the Channel Islands with the lads representing Scotland in the 680kg category.
Preparations are now well underway for the trip to the European Championships.
