Congleton tug of war club had an extremely challenging year during 2006 having lost more key pullers, but the club battled on through the season and came through it with some success, which was better than the club had hoped for at the start. The competition season started in April, and with a threadbare squad, Congleton carried on until may without a coach, after 2005 coach Dave Gill decided not to coach the club this year. Former coach Billy Reilly stepped in to help the club out, something of which the club greatly appreciates, and this somewhat helped to lift morale in the squad.

National Championships Squad

Congleton went to the national championships in Malvern at the three counties show in June, with three national titles to defend, which looked to be a tall order for the team to repeat such a feat. The club competed in the 600, 680, 720 and catweight divisions, and we managed to han on to the 720 and catchweight titles, and came 4th in the 680. The club had a tough time in the 600, but enjoyed the experience all the same.

Billy Reilly recieving the 720 national trophy

The club had therefore qualified to represent England in the world championships at 720 kilos, which meant it was going to be a tough summer as the club had the basis of 640/680 pullers. In July Congleton competed in the AAA's championships and gained a silver in the catchweight, relinquishing the title to Felton.

Congleton National 720 team

On a brighter note the club hosted it's own club competition in Macclesfield in aid of the East Cheshire Hospice, which helped to raise over £800 for charity. This same venue will be host to the AAA's championships in 2007, and it is hoped to make the event a bigger success, and it is hoped to build on the excellent novice competition that was held with the event this year too.

Congleton in the World 720 open

Congleton continued their tough build up to the world championships throughout August and September, and gained success at the Midland championships, and then went on to win a bronze in the Tug of War Association national league at 680 kilos. Going into the world championships the team reached the quarter finals of the 720 kilos open clubs event, losing out to dutch team Vallietrekkers by 2 ends to 1, who went on to the final to be defeated by Latvian team Velkonis. In the closed event, Congleton, representing England gave it their best shot, but having only had a small side in this weight, every pull was hard work for the team, and we ended up finishing in 9th place. On a brighter note, our youngest memeber, Alan Knott, was a part of the England Under 23 team, which won a bronze medal in the under 23 event, with Germany winning gold and Switzerland the silver

England under 23 600 team

Congleton now look forward to 2007 with the international championships taking place on home soil. We are looking to rebuild the squad for this year, and anyone interested in joining us should please feel free to get in touch. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2007.

Alan Knott anchoring the under 23 team