Sturdy backs and powerful calf muscles were put to good use in the Llanboidy Open Tug of War which was held last Sunday at the Llanboidy Social Club (writes Bob Innes). The ancient art of rope pulling in one form or another can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks. The Vikings used a form of tug of war for trials of strength on their ships. Today it is eight a side, keeping in accordance with the eight-a-side format when tug of war was an Olympic sport between 1900 and 1920. Fifteen clubs from six Welsh counties descended on the Tiny Carmarthenshire village of Llanboidy. From West Wales, Llanboidy had a number of teams; Clynderwen, Abernant and Llangadog were also competing. Both men's and ladies' tournaments were held. It was fitting that Llanboidy should host such an event. In 1977, Llanboidy represented Wales in the World Championships in Jersey and came out victorious. Dorian Phillips, a veteran of the 1977 team and now Llanboidy club coach, was spurring his team on. "Size doesn't matter, toughness and commitment are more important," the former world champion commented Another veteran of the 1977 team, Eifion Griffiths, believed that a good rope puller should be "hard, have a good technique and be able to work as part of a team." The ladies were also fully committed and seemed to really enjoy the experience. Kate Richards, of the Clynderwen team that was formed three years ago, believed that a rope puller should have "determination, stamina and be able to work as a team." The teams will be preparing for the Welsh Championships next month at Hay on Wye.
