The Home of Powerlifting in Scotland

Scottish Open Push Pull Championship

For what this comp lacked in numbers it made up for with real quality. From the emerging talent of our 3 junior lifters to the two rather wizen Aberdonians who strode onto the platform, everyone contributed to put on an excellent exhibition of the depth of domestic powerlifting in Scotland.

Highlights of the day included the tussle at 75's where Bob Parfitt and Andy Clegg both with the combined experience of Methuselah were up against the rather powerful looking Willie Brown. Willie took the best lifter trophy at the recent Scottish Open so his two adversaries were aware of the challenge ahead.

Whether or not he just didn't change his opener in time or was playing a game of Cat and Mouse, Willie opened with a mere 100kg on the bench, with Andy taking an easy 120 to Parfitt's 130. Willie then jumped 40 kilo's to Bob's 7.5 kg increment. Andy put a solid 130 up before calling for his third and final of bench 137.5 a weight he duly pressed. Bob's 142.5 saw him fail(uneven lockout I think?). Willie Brown ended the first flight with a 147.5 bench which saw him take a 10 kilo lead into the deadlifts where he once again opened low(comparatively of course) on 235 before taking a huge 30 kilo leap for his second attempt. This strategy almost cost him the day, as he was to miss both remaining attempts. Parfitt had already pulled 240 and now saw an opportunity, which he squandered by taking a jump to 250, which proved to be a bridge to far. The class finished with Brown, on 382.5 Parfitt on 377.5 with Andy Clegg putting together a respectable 337.5.

Other talking points were Stevie Cummings 195 bench at 90's and a solid 260 deadlift. Matt Verall continued his comeback with some superb benching posting a solid 175. For our younger readers Matt was an excellent 90-kilo lifter in the mid to late 90's consistently totalling in the 720 region. I think he also won the Scottish at least once.

Bringing the curtain down on today’s event was a slim line Paul Swinton weighing only 112.6 kilos. Paul's 210 bench and 300 deadlift saw him take the best lifter. Paul had a go at a 320 pull but like one or two lifters on the day struggled to find his line.