Graham Brocklebank of Warton ,,,,

.....was the main man at Langdale Gala. The Under 18 Champion first won his age group and then won both of the senior events as the showers and sunshine swept down the Langdale valley.

The event was a celebration of youth for there were few senior competitors, and none of them was much heavier than the on-form Brocklebank. His first bout, though, gave little indication of the successful day that lay in store, for a wrestler from just down the valley swept him away with a dynamic attack of hipes and twists for the first fall.

Graeme Benson of Skelwith Bridge has built up some good experience in the past two years, but he had not wrestled for some time. A good rugby player, he had been training with Kendal for two nights a week, and the county rugby squad for another two right through the winter so had missed out on the winter coaching at Kendal Academy.

Brocklebank simply used the set-back as a wake-up call, and he fought back with his brand of positive wrestling, hiping and twisting, or turning his man in to drive him forward and down with a right side wrench buttock.

Benson had a second chance to shine when he again met Brocklebank in the 12½ stones, and again he gained the first fall only to have Brocklebank overhaul him.

The All Weights final was another good challenge for Brocklebank. Robin Parsons came home to Levens for the week-end from his work as an architect in Newcastle and decided to go with his father, the Milnthorpe Academy coach, David Parsons, to the wrestling at Langdale. He is only an occasional wrestler these days, but except for a bit of heavy breathing after a tough bout, you would never have noticed. He came through tough bouts with his cousin David which swirled across the ring, but Graham Brocklebank, with his strength, skill, experience and match fitness, was too much for him.

Some far travelled wrestler had success at Distington Vintage Club Rally. Watchai Noimai of Carlisle was in the money for three events, the best being the runners-up spot to John Harrington in the 12½ stones. Craig Ridley from Slaggyford near Alston continued his good form by winning the Under 15 Years against the local but experienced wrestler Paul Murray. And furthest travelled of all was Fin Healy of Tynemouth who felled Jack Ewart in the final of the Under 18 Years and wrestled up to John Harrington in the All Weights. As is already obvious, John Harrington had another good day with two wins to add to is growing tally for the season.

Results:

Langdale Gala

Under 12 Years 1, T Maloney; 2, H Barnes.
Under 15 Years 1, S Brocklebank; 2, B Brocklebank; 3, J Thompson.
Under 18 Years 1, G Brocklebank; 2, G Benson; 3, S Wilkinson.
12½st 1, G Brocklebank; 2, G Benson; 3, S Wilkinson.
All Weights 1, G Brocklebank; 2, R Parsons; 3, S Wilkinson.
Ladies Open 1, Z Dewdney; 2, H Barnes; 3, E Hayhurst.

Distington

Under 12 Years 1, A Armstrong; 2, J Webstall; 3, L Hodgson.
Under 15 Years 1, C Ridley; 2, P Murray; 3, D Ewart.
Under 18 Years 1, F Healy; 2, J Ewart; 3, W Noimai.
12½st 1, John Harrington; 2, W Noimai; 3, W Rothery.
All Weights 1, John Harrington; 2, F Healy; 3, W Noimai.

Dates:

July 15th (Sun) 2pm Bampton Sports, near Shap U12/U15/U18/Girls/12½/AW

(Roger Robson is Author of the book 'Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling' published by Bookcase 1999 )

July 14th 2007