After extensive training since January, the Men’s Anstey team were ecstatic to win the Tug of War trophy for a second consecutive year.
NFYFC’s national Tug of War final was held at Tenbury Agricultural Show in August, with teams from across the country vying for the winning positions.
This is the fourth year Devon has won the trophy since 2017 and Anstey’s Jack Routledge put their success down to competing in extra Tug of War competitions outside of YFC.
“This year we registered with the Tug of War Association and competed in the national league and English nationals with mainly YFC members,” said Jack who was involved in the team who represented England in the Mixed 4x4 at the British and Irish championships and won a silver medal. The team also have pullers going to Germany to the World Championships.
“I’d say to any other teams competing just get out there to as many competitions because that’s where you learn the most and gain vital experience,” advised Jack. “It would be great to see more YFC teams at non-YFC events and if you can’t get a team together, there are clubs scattered all over the country always willing to take on new pullers. There are competitions on nearly every weekend – just look on the England TOWA website.”
The winning ladies’ team came from the opposite end of the country compared to the men’s, with Greysouthen YFC in Cumbria taking home the trophy.
It was a victory that ended team mate Elizabeth Todd’s YFC membership on a high.
“It was my last year in YFC so it was amazing to win on the day! Myself and three other members have been a part of a Tug of War club for many years and we have come away with the third and fourth places, so it was great to finally win.”
The club started training from mid-April with one training session every other week, which included mostly junior members. The team had a lot of experience among them with many taking part in the sport for a number of years and some competing for a local Upper Eden Tug of War club.
“We felt strong through all the competitions including the final at Tenbury, and didn't lose an end through the whole season,” said Elizabeth Todd, who was practising with the team not long after having a baby.
“I think the biggest thing for us was that we all helped and supported each other with fitness, training and making sure we had a laugh at the same time. We all enjoyed it this year more than ever and always had a good time on and of the rope!”
It was a Yorkshire team – Great Smeaton YFC – who celebrated finally winning the GENSB title after coming second last year.
Great Smeaton faced last year’s winners and fellow Yorkshire club, Penistone YFC in the semi-final and went on to beat Craswall YFC from Herefordshire in the final.
See all the results from the Tug of war finals here.
