THE annual Crown of Peover Gooseberry Show has produced another exciting showdown between two top growers.
On Saturday, July 25, the 51st instalment of the event saw Peter Riley triumph over his long-standing rival, Jim Hart.
Described as a real 'clash of the titans', the increasingly anticipated annual showdown between the two saw Peter this year emerge victorious with the heaviest berry.
His Bank View variety tipped the scales at an impressive 32.15 pennyweights.
This accomplishment secured him the Mark Haworth Trophy for the heaviest premier berry.
Peter's success did not end there.
He went on to dominate many of the coloured berry classes, collecting an array of awards throughout the day.
To cap off an already memorable occasion, he also won a hamper of wine and cheese in the raffle.
On the other hand, Jim's Millennium berry, weighing 25.01 pennyweights, ranked second, awarding him the Bert and Lesley Flint Trophy.
The celebrated event was established in 1975 by the late Gordon Cragg, a legendary grower in his own right, having clinched victory at the show several times.
The latest edition of the show saw members treated to a buffet, put together by The Crown Inn's landlord and landlady Nigel and Lesley Ramsay.
Gordon's memorable foundation has since blossomed into one of the community's cherished traditions, crowning champions from a diverse range of berry varieties year after year.
Rounding off the top three, Keith Tickle entered his own Bank View berry, weighing 20.12 pennyweights, into the competition.
Fourth place went to Ian Gough with his Millennium berry weighing 20.09 pennyweights, followed by Steve Wade (Smithy Green) in fifth place with his Lord Derby berry weighing 19.06 pennyweights.
John Hardy claimed sixth place with his Just Betty berry at 18.00 pennyweights.
The seventh spot went to Steve and Louise Chapman, whose Lloyd George berry weighed 14.19 pennyweights.
George Meredith's Ann Archer berry at 12.15 pennyweights earned him eight place, with Adam Daniel's Edith Cavell berry closely behind him at 12.00 pennyweights.
Sue Jennings came in 10th with her Edith Cavell (9.14), Angela Ashcroft in 11th with her London berry (9.01), and Bret and Gill Kralij in 12th with their Lloyd George berry (4.15).
Rounding off the Premier Berries competition was Mike Godfrey coming in 13th with his Montrose (4.07), and Jonathan Godfrey with his Firbob (4.05).
With this year's contest now concluded, growers will already be setting their sights on next year's competition as they look to challenge for top honours once again.
