Cumberland wrestling round-up

Andrew Carlile and John Harrington enjoyed a good tussle

Carlisle Wrestling Club had a points night with a difference when a mini-bus load of wrestlers travelled over from Rothbury Academy, in Northumberland, to compete.

They are a big and beefy lot, the Northumbrians, so all except Jacob Wragg had to wait for the All Weights before they could take hold.

Wragg is a neat and clever wrestler but he was up against it in the 11-and-half stones where Carlisle had three champions in the group.

One of the best bouts of the night was when he and Craig Naylor went hammer and tongs in a sustained bout before Naylor put in the last twist.

Best of all, though, was 11st champion Richard Dixon, who was in great form.

A spectacular buttock flattened Andrew Carlile, his main opposition in the round-robin event, where each wrestler meets every other wrestler in the group.

In the 13 stones, Dixon continued his immaculate progress, felling all the others, John Harrington included.

The All Weights round-robin was one of the biggest I have organised at the club since the 1970s. With three wrestlers weighing in at over 16 stones, it was no place for the faint-hearted.

Jack Ewart, of Westward, thrived in the intense atmosphere, as he took exciting falls against the likes of John Harrington, Nathan Birdsall, and James Oliver as well as keeping the lightweights in place.

In the end, he and Joe Harrington, of Kirkbampton, were equal with seven falls to their names, so had to wrestle off for second place.

So, who won? Rothbury coach, Jason Davidson, wrestled cannily throughout, taking his time but striking hard when he saw a chance. By far the oldest wrestler in the field, he went though the night unbeaten.

The Rothbury contingent had an extra reason to be in Carlisle, for when the action finished, the mats were cleared and replaced by a circle of chairs for a meeting about the European Championships of the International Federation of Celtic Wrestling.

As a result of that meeting, Darren Whitfield and Jason Davidson will be coaching the Rothbury lads in the Gouren style, as will Andrew Carlile and Alan Jones at the Carlisle club.

Every fortnight, on a Sunday, all the wrestlers will join together for a plenary training session. The first of these will be at Rothbury at 1400 GMT on Sunday, 8 February. Anyone wishing to take part will be welcome. Transport will be shared from Carlisle.

Meanwhile, David Smith, a stalwart of wrestling in West Cumbria has died, aged 84.

Smith was one of those who both wrestled and organised. In the old academy days he was secretary for the Gosforth Academy, and "for donkey's years" he has been secretary of Wasdale Head Show.

Results:

Carlisle Wrestling Club Points Night

11.5st: 1. R Dixon; 2. A Carlile; 3. C Naylor; 4. J Wragg

13st: 1. R Dixon; 2. John Harrington; 3. A Carlile; 4. C Naylor.

All Weights: 1. J Davidson; 2. Joe Harrington; 3. A Ord; 4. N Birdsall.