The first evening of the Northern Ireland Indoor Tug of War Championships kicked off in style on Saturday, 30th November, at St. Peter’s Community Hall, Lurgan. This highly anticipated event saw top teams from across the region compete in a night filled with fierce determination, skillful pulls, and closely contested ends.
All pullers weighed in on Friday evening, ensuring teams were ready to pull at their designated weights for the first two categories of the competition: 600kg and 680kg. With spectators cheering from the sidelines, the atmosphere was electric as teams vied for glory and valuable points in the championship series.
600kg Weight Category
The opening category of the night, the 600kg, featured some of Northern Ireland’s top indoor teams: Richhill, Slieve Croob, Country Club, and Ballyhegan.
The group stages delivered plenty of excitement, with teams showcasing both strength and strategy in several closely fought ends. Each pull was a test of teamwork, endurance, and mental focus, setting the tone for an intense night of competition.
Semi-Final Results
- Country Club dominated Ballyhegan, securing a decisive 2-0 victory to book their place in the final.
- Richhill edged out Slieve Croob in a nail-biting match, winning 2-1 to claim the second final spot.
The final match between Country Club and Richhill was a showcase of precision and power. Country Club maintained their momentum, executing a fantastic performance to win 2-0 and claim the first championship of the night in commanding fashion.
680kg Weight Category
The second weight category, the 680kg, brought fresh challenges for the teams as they adapted their strategies to compete at the heavier weight. Once again, the group stages were fiercely contested, with each team battling for a spot in the semi-finals.
Semi-Final Results
- Country Club once again proved their dominance, defeating Richhill 2-0 in a strong semi-final performance.
- Ballyhegan showed resilience as they overcame Slieve Croob with a 2-0 victory to secure their place in the final.
In the final match, the crowd witnessed another powerful display from Country Club as they squared off against Ballyhegan. Despite Ballyhegan’s determination, Country Club pulled through with a decisive 2-0 win, earning their second championship title of the evening.
Celebrating Success
The night belonged to Country Club, who demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and stamina to claim victory in both the 600kg and 680kg categories. Their clean sweep of the evening’s titles sets a high standard for the rest of the season and solidifies their position as a team to watch.
The event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our officials—Margaret, Hugh, Vernon, and Davy—who ensured the championships ran smoothly and fairly throughout the evening. St. Peter’s Community Hall in Lurgan provided an excellent venue for the event, and our thanks go to them for their continued support of the sport.
A special thank you is also extended to all the participating clubs, whose efforts and commitment made the night a resounding success. Their competitive spirit and camaraderie truly embody the heart of tug of war.
Looking Ahead to December 14th
The action doesn’t stop here! The second evening of the Northern Ireland Indoor Tug of War Championships will take place on Saturday, 14th December, featuring the 560kg and 640kg categories. Teams will once again come together to compete for top honors, and we’re expecting another night of thrilling competition.
Good luck to all the teams as they prepare for the next event. Stay tuned for more updates and results as the indoor season unfolds, and don’t forget to show your support for this incredible sport.
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