Report by Paul Rees on 28/10/2009
Day one by Paul Rees
A big entry of eighty seven ensured a "full on" lifting programme over two days at the well appointed Bournemouth University Sports and Recreation Centre. The main competition platform with a new Eleiko squat/bench combination took centre stage in front of a full and enthusiastic audience flanked by trade stands. The warm up area was spacious with three lifting platforms arranged with easy and close access to the competition area.
First off on Saturday morning were the Junior Men who really "whipped up" the crowd with their drive and determination. Many British unequipped records were set with under 20 Steve Tyers 225kg deadlift at 62kg bodyweight looking particularly impressive.
Craig Cutler u18 82.5kg class set several records even though he was unwell during the week before. Alistair Cannings u18 67.5 kg class also got in on the record setting act with a 207.5kg deadlift and a 105kg bench press. Matthew Pearce(WPU) was really flying in the 125kg class unleashing impressive raw power. This was an excellent start to the Championships and all these juniors deserve great credit for the way they went about their business.
Sean Rowlands was soon to set new National records in the Masters group one with a 162.5kg squat at 67.5kg bodyweight. Chris Anderson was the next to get in on the act pushing the 82.5kg M2 bench record to 142.5kg. Several of my favourite powerlifting characters really got stuck in when the Masters group 2 entered the competition. Malc Bason, Ian Finch and Kevin Jane are East Midlands legends and they were a fine example, yet again, of guts, determination and focus on the job in hand. Another lifelong strength athlete Chris Gladding looked really good but the records were set by Laurence McConnell (N.I.) who complimented his Weightlifting achievements with a full set in the M3 110kg class with 235/155/230//620kg total .John Mitchell who has just returned from the Masters World Championships squatted immaculately yet again and put together a massive 670kg total operating with ease in "super cruise" it appeared. Well done to all the Masters who won the crowd over during the afternoon.
Day two
LADIES
The second day started with the Ladies competition in the morning. Jenny Hunter fresh from her gold medal success at the World Masters Championships was in uncompromising form in the m2 52kg class setting a whole host of new British m2 records. She went 85/70/145//300 lifting fluently throughout. Pat Reeves was lifting for the last time as she is going to retire but we all hope to see her again given the right health circumstances.
Rosimery Lima had a close battle with Olivia Tosunlar and came out winner by a small margin in the open 56kg class. Janelle Yeates produced an m1 squat record at 60kg with a 90.5kg lift.
The competition between World Championship bound Nicola Payne (open) and Louise Watton (u23) in the 67.5kg class was enthralling and close at each stage of the competition. Both girls now lift at 60kg in normal circumstances and were just above this bodyweight on the day. Louise won this time but by the smallest of margins.
Sixteen year old Lisa Hicks (SW) produced a whole raft of new British Sub Junior records in the 75kg class to add to those she already holds at 82.5kg.Audience support was again enthusiastic and encouraging.
MENS OPEN
Pat Constantine, South West, overcame injury woes to produce 140/80/210//430 in the 56kg class. Darren Loy (W.M.67.5kg) had a great day in a good contest with the ever improving Paul Richards and totaled an excellent 510kg exceeding British records on the way.
Robert Chaunt the All England winner had his hands full holding off the Scottish challenge by Allen Steel and Ben Riddell in the 82.5kg class. It was all up for grabs until the final deadlifts. Rob totaled 560kg with Allen close behind with 555kg.
Stephen Gates (GL) led the field in the 90 kg class and was impressive from start to finish achieving a 272.5kg deadlift and a 625kg total. Ross Brimstead S.E.(662.5kg) took the 100kg title from Marc Keys (Scotland) with some impressive deadlifting. Steve Jones won the 110kg class after a nervous start in the squats. Thomas Celestin (G.L.) was close behind and had a good crack at 312.5kg deadlift to win on bodyweight but alas for him it did not stick. Russell Kirby (S.E.) 125kg class was excellent and went 262.5/180/290 to total 732.5kg .A clear winner from newcomer Matt Frampton who pulled a useful 290kg in the deadlift.
It was good to have representation from all the Home countries and i was pleased to see Wales win the 125+ class with the Dax DYER taking the honors. The good humor of the crowd and all the lifters lasted right through to the end of a thoroughly enjoyable Championships. Well done to all involved.
Paul Rees. Organiser .