North Yorkshire team crowned national champions

Women's pic back row: Jimbob Dunn(tack), Grace Mitchell, Harriet Stephenson, Georgia Hughes, Pip Jackson, Robin Wilkinson (coach) Front row: Tinika Crossley, Lauren Milner, Erin Woodhead, Miki Crossley.

Ryedale tug of war club has been crowned national champions after clinching victory at the NFYFC finals.

The women’s team dominated the competition in Tenbury, not dropping a single end throughout the day.

Drawn in a group of five, they beat each team 2-0, advancing to the semi-finals where they faced last year’s winners, Honiton.

A club spokesman said: "Not an end dropped all day for the women and are now the best YFC team in the whole of England and Wales.

"The girls had the grunt and smashed it 2-0 again, sealing a spot in the final where they would meet Leicestershire.

"Two big ends and it was never in doubt.

"Much blood, sweat and tears from both teams, but it was the girls bringing home the red ticket this year.

"What an achievement and a testament to the hard work they’ve put in this season."

The men’s team also impressed, finishing fourth in a highly competitive field.

The club spokesman said: "The men’s finished a very respectable fourth in what was probably the best standard of men’s tow we’ve seen down there.

"The lads finished joint second in the group getting into the semis where we were blown out on cautions and sadly just didn't have the legs left in us to get over the line."

Ryedale tug of war club thanked their supporters and anyone else who’s helped out.