Cornhill tug of war teams pull in series of titles for historic feat
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Tug of war competitors from Cornhill are celebrating after achieving a historic first in recent Scottish Tug of War Outdoor National Championship events.
Cornhill men’s and ladies’ tug of war teams won gold in all respective weight classes at the recent national championship competitions at Stonehaven Highland Games on Sunday, July 16, as well as the mixed national championships title at Fettercairn Show on July 1.
This achievement marks the first time a single club has won all men’s, ladies’ and mixed titles in the history of the Scottish national championships.
The successes have qualified the teams for the World Tug of War Championships in Switzerland in September, with many team members set to make the journey to compete at the highest level.
Despite their clean sweeps, Cornhill faced hard-fought competition at both events, with teams from Tinto, Ayrshire, Brechin, Elgin and Strathearn battling for the gold in Stonehaven.
Cornhill, though, proved strong and claimed top titles across the board.
Club captain, David McKenzie, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won gold across the 2023 Scottish championship competitions. It is extra special as this is the first time one club has achieved this.
“We had some strong competition across the events, but the Cornhill teams are delighted that their training and practice led them to success.
“As a participant and ambassador for tug of war for over 30 years, I hope the wins help to promote the sport and encourage people to get involved and take part.
“It’s a fun sport for all ages, which offers health and social benefits too. We are always keen to welcome new team members at Cornhill.”
Before travelling to Switzerland, Cornhill’s teams will head to Elgin for the British and Irish Outdoor Tug of War Championships on Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13, where they hope to continue their championship winning form. The club has extended an invitation to all to try the sport during the weekly training sessions at Cornhill Playing Field.
Ladies training takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7.30pm until 9pm, while the men train on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.30pm until 9pm. Find out more via the Cornhill Tug o War Team Facebook page.
Final results:
Ladies Scottish National Championship Results (Stonehaven Highland Games): 500kg: Cornhill; Ayrshire; Brechin. 520kg: Cornhill; Ayrshire; Brechin. 540kg: Cornhill; Ayrshire; Brechin. 560kg: Cornhill; Brechin; Ayrshire.
Men’s Scottish National Championship Results (Stonehaven): 560kg: Cornhill; Ayrshire; Strathearn. 600kg: Cornhill; Ayrshire; Tinto. 640kg: Cornhill; Ayrshire; Elgin. 680kg: Cornhill; Tinto; Ayrshire. 700kg: Cornhill; Tinto; Ayrshire.
Mixed Scottish National Championship (Fettercairn Show): 580kg: Cornhill A; Ayrshire; Cornhill B.
