Graham Brockledbank takes the 15 Stone Title.

For Graham Brocklebank of Warton, last week was a bruised and battered affair, but when the dust, or mud, settled, he must have had a satisfied smile on his face.

There were two main challenges: his local Westmorland Show with its big ring, big money, big entry and massive crowd, including Prince Charles; and then two days later a much more intensive event, the 15st Championship at Egremont Crab Fair, wrestling stripped to its essentials.

At the Westmorland Show he won two events, the 13 stones and 14 stones, and still did not receive the best wrestling award, which went to Jack Brown who was pulling off great throws throughout the wrestling programme. The two met in the 13 stones final, and it was typical of their closely fought encounters. First, Brocklebank took a strong hold and back-heeled Browns long legs. Then, Brown hit back with an unexpected buttock to level the score. The decider went Brocklebank's way when he gained a strong hold and twisted to win.

The two of them met in the first round of the Championship at Egremont and a galvanised bout ensued. The first was a typical grab for hold and a twist, but the second bout was special when Brocklebank twice dived intensively round his man for hold before twisting down. In the semi-final he met his old rival Richard Fox and another sudden buzzing round for hold and a hipe.

The final saw him matched with local wrestler, Dylan Fleming of Bootle, who gave Brocklebank pause for thought before a buttock off Fleming's back-heel attempt settled the matter, and Graham Brocklebank was once more a worthy 15st Champion.

At Kendal Thomas Davidson again confirmed a year of improvement, and gained the best boy wrestler award. He was hiping and hanking with the best, and fully deserved being awarded the Under 15 Years trophy from Prince Charles. George Wilson gained a wonderful double when he won both the Under 18 Years and the Men's All Weights.

(Written by Roger Robson ..... ©All Photographs on this site are the copyright of Roger Robson, Jill Robson, Julian Richardson, Linda Scott or Webmaster. Unauthorised usage is forbidden {2017} ©)

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