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Sandhurst are European tug champions (28 september 2007) Sandhurst tug of war club won the gold medal at the European Tug of War Championships held in Somerset in September 2007. Sandhurst's Simon Mitchinson sent us his report from the event. The Sandhurst team in action in Minehead Representing England in the 560kg category, Sandhurst was one of the favourites for the title, but expected strong resistance from Northern Ireland and current World Champions Switzerland. Sandhurst started the group stage of the competition with pulls against Belgium, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands and Wales. Despite strong resistance from all of them, Sandhurst remained unbeaten and led the table with Northern Ireland, who was also undefeated at this stage. Sandhurst's next pull was against Switzerland who had just lost to Northern Ireland. In a rather cagey affair, Sandhurst never took a step forward and slowly wore down the Swiss, condemning them to their second defeat. The final round of the group saw Sandhurst pull against Northern Ireland. Neither team had been troubled thus far and both had qualified for the semi-finals. Nevertheless, both were seeking the psychological advantage in the next stage over their rivals. Both teams were strong in the first end and it took the slightest fidget from Northern Ireland for Sandhurst to take the advantage and power through for the point. Rather than waste energy, Northern Ireland was happy to be pulled forward in the second end and it was Sandhurst who topped the table, unbeaten. Lifting battle In the semi-finals, Sandhurst met a resurgent Republic of Ireland who, to the surprise of everyone, muscled their way to the first end. Rather than panicking, however, Sandhurst just dropped stronger in the second pull and held the rope still, slowly wearing down their opponents. With their energy depleted, Ireland was pulled forwards to concede the second and third ends as Sandhurst progressed through to the final. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland had comprehensively beaten Switzerland for a second time. The teams walked out in the midday sun and both dropped powerfully for the first end. The rope was static for what seemed like an eternity before Northern Ireland put in a hit that bent the Sandhurst pullers out of shape. Sandhurst hit back immediately and started a lifting battle that would eventually drain all strength from both teams. Slowly, however, Northern Ireland was able to pull Sandhurst towards and over the line to take the first end. Sandhurst celebrate victory Looking tired The second end started as a mirror image of the first and Sandhurst ended up bent again after a huge Irish hit and the Irish seemed to be on their way to a win. With just a metre to go, however, Sandhurst was able to stop the Irish and then slowly battle back to take the second end. Sandhurst looked the more tired team for the third end and lost the advantage on the drop. Fatigue was evident in both teams with infringements creeping in and the judge cautioned each team twice. Neither team could move the other and with Sandhurst pullers locking the rope on their thighs and Northern Ireland sitting the floor, the judge blew for a 'no pull'. The rope was immediately reset in the middle for a fourth end! Guts and determination Suddenly, the advantage swung to Sandhurst. The Irish faces were of despair - they had given everything and didn't want to pull again. Sandhurst, in total contrast, looked like this was the best thing that could have happened and knew that they would win - and they did. The Irish had nothing left and Sandhurst proved that competitions are won on guts and determination as much as strength and endurance. The European Championship was the pinnacle of a season that has seen Sandhurst also win National, National League and UK Championship Gold medals and cement their place as one of the top teams in England, Europe and the World. Sandhurst team - Bob Sergison, Trevor Canning, Geoff Holyhead, Robbie Gale, Steve Lewis, Paul Roach, Jon Scott, Bob Steele, Martin Tarbard (sub), Stuart Canning (attendant), Sam Canning (coach).

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