TUG of war proved to be a real crowd-puller at The Cheshire Game and Angling at Peover Hall.

The annual tug of war competition at the fair was again a huge success.

The event was organised by Bosley Tug of War Club on behalf of the fair, and this year the event staged the men’s national catchweight championships, open to all teams in England to become national champions.

The catchweight event has no weight limit, but that doesn’t always mean the heaviest team will win.

This year the teams from Lincoln and Felton Eccles (Somerset) contested the final after they defeated all the other teams in the group stages.

Lincoln comfortably won the first end, however Felton Eccles looked like they might have taken the final to a third and deciding end after taking Lincoln three of the four metres from the centre line required to win the end.

Unfortunately for Felton they ran out of steam and Lincoln had to draw them back seven metres to take the end and the national title.

You can watch a replay of the final on the Tug of War Association Facebook page by searching for @englandtugofwar.

The ‘open’ weight classes saw teams competing in men’s and ladies/junior weight classes.

Unlike the catchweight competition, teams are not allowed to exceed the weight limit of the nominated weight class.

Norton from Staffordshire won the men’s 600kg and 640kg weight divisions, with Lincoln winning the 680kg division.

Home club Bosley finished in second place in the 600kg competition, with Haldon from Devon finishing in second place in the 640kg competition, and Felton Eccles from Somerset finishing second in the 680kg competition.

The senior mixed competition, with teams being formed of four men and four ladies was won by the Kilroe team from Lancashire with York finishing in second place.

Three ladies/junior weight classes were held at 520kg, 540kg, and 560kg.

There was some fierce competition in this weight class, and the teams taking part in these weight classes showed that tug of war is very much a team sport that can be done by anyone of any age or gender, demonstrating excellent skill, fitness and teamwork.

All three finals were contested by Llanrwst from Colwyn Bay and Bedford Ladies, with Llanrwst winning all three finals.

“It was another excellent day of competition in the continuing hot weather conditions,” said TOWA spokesman Alan Knott.

“This event continues to be a real crowd puller, with lots of spectators stopping by to see what is going on.

“The event organisers love having us here, and we look forward to returning again in 2019.

“We are always looking to encourage new participants into the sport of tug of war, and as this event demonstrates, our sport can be done by anyone of any size or gender, so if you want to find out more about the sport of tug of war and how to get involved, visit the Tug of War Association web site at tugofwar.co.uk”