Wrestling Academy Shield
Saturday December 8th 2007 saw Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre host the prestigious Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Academy Shield.
The annual competition organised in partnership between the Rothbury Club and the Alnwick Sport and Physical Activity Alliance attracted over 50 wrestlers representing the 5 clubs, with our own Rothbury up against the might of the Cumbrian teams from Carlisle, Kendall, Wabberthwaite and Milnthorpe.
Chairman of Alnwick District Council Cllr Peter Dawson welcomed the wrestlers to Alnwick before the shield competition began. With each team supplying wrestlers from the under 6 stone category through to heavyweights it meant that every bout was important to the overall team score.
In the round robin format the strong Carlisle team ran out worthy winners, but the Rothbury team emerged with many plaudits due to the fact that all of their team were aged under 18 and many were competing in their first academy shield.
Following the Shield an ‘Open’ Competition was held with the final over 3 falls being contested by the two heavyweights Darren Whitfield and Jason Davidson both from the Rothbury Club. Darren emerged the victor in a closely fought final bout.
Darren Whitfield from the Rothbury Wrestling Club said, “It was a great night of traditional wrestling and it was pleasing to see so many young people taking part. The Club are needing more members and training nights are on Wednesday evening 6.30 – 8.30 pm at Thomlinson’s Middle School, Rothbury. If people want more information they can get in contact with the Club on 01669 620770”
