By Roger Robson

Mica Graham (right) enjoys a tussle with an opponent

If only we could tap into the energy generated by Young Farmers, we could keep the National Grid ticking over comfortably.

With so much effort and enthusiasm pitted against them, the regular, trained wrestlers did well to come out on top at the Cumbrian Northern Federation of Young Farmers, held at Kirklinton.

David Miller, of Aspatria YFC and Carlisle Wrestling Club, set the example in the 9.5 stones, smoothly hiping his way to the final.

There, Chris Pears, of Caldbeck, gave him pause for thought, but Miller won with a flourish when he nailed the last swing of a swirling bout.

The remaining weights inevitably went to champion wrestlers from farming families. Richard Dixon occasionally laboured in the 11.5 stones, but he always had the final twist in reserve.

The final of the over 11.5 stones brought together two multi-champions, Richard Fox, for Longtown, and John Harrington, for Caldbeck.

The hectic and varied programme of events at the Field Day was illustrated by the arrival of the two wrestlers wearing sheep-shearing footwear.

Fox, in addition, was wearing some rather fetching and spectacular make-up. It soon became apparent that no sheep would stand a chance against either of them.

In the end Fox won with a buttock and a back-heel.

The Field Day sees one of the biggest competitions for female wrestlers.

In the ladies' under 10 stones, Dawn Gibson, of Skelton, injured her shoulder in the final, which gave Fiona Laurie, of Kirklinton, the victory.

The winner of the ladies' over 10 stones, Mica Graham, of Carlisle, is a proven winner over the years.

She is like a Kelly doll on her feet, always bobbing up again whatever the pressure, and she has no inhibitions about twisting the opposition right to the ground.

Then, endearingly, she sometimes apologises to her opponent, not a common trait in men's wrestling.

The Gibson family split up for the day's wrestling, with the girls, Dawn and Megan, at the Field Day, and young Thomas heading south to Sedbergh Gala.

His journey was successful for he won the under-12 years and in the final felled his great rival, Sam Wilson, who had won their previous encounter.

William Atkinson and William Hayhurst, not unexpectedly, won the other boys' classes.

Stuart Mason, who learned his wrestling at Milnthope Academy, showed his class in winning the 12.5 stones and wrestling up to Graham Brocklebank in the all weights.

Brocklebank showed no sign of the injury which curtailed last year's season for him.

His big brother, Thomas, however, had to stay on the sidelines for he had had a bout with a hedge trimmer and lost.

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