THE Llandygwydd Young Farmers held their annual ploughing match this year at Blaenaugwenog Farm, Gorsgoch, Llanybydder by kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Antonio and Eirina Sisto and their sons.

Attracting a good crowd in ideal weather conditions 24 competitors – including several from north Wales – turned their furrows across six classes in ley fields, some of which it is believed had not been ploughed for about 40 years.

Chairman, Huw Davies, Wern Villa expressed appreciation to all the craftsmen who had displayed their skills and for their continued support. He also thanked the Sisto family for their generosity and the committee members for their hard work in preparing for the event.

The overall winner was Rhodri George, who also produced the best work by a member of the South and West Wales group of ploughing societies. Rhodri’s son, James, won the class for competitors under 26. Philip Jones of Sunlea, Tregynon, Newtown was awarded the prize for the best vintage turnout .

Results

(Judges: Messrs Dai Prosser, Raymond Roach, Alan Lucas and Bryn Harries):.

Classic – 1, John Cole, Trewen Cottage, Whitchurch, Ross on Wye, 2, Gareth Jones, 18, Lon Ceredigion, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, 3, Ceri Richards, Delfan, Cwmhiraeth, Llandysul, 4, Ron Hughes, Pencoed, Cross Inn, Llandysul.

Semi Digger, open – 1, Rhodri George, Derlwyn, Hayscastle, Haverfordwest, 2, Brenig Bryan, West End Farm, Llawhaden, Narberth, 3 (equal) Lodwig Jones, Green Acres, Four Road, Kidwelly and Aled Morgan, Coedmor, Bryngwyn, Newcastle Emlyn.

Vintage, trailed – 1, Gordon Harries, Sunnybank, St. Florence, Tenby, 2, Sam Jones, 1, Glantrannon, Trefeglwys, Newtown, 3, Alwyn Jones, Penlanwen, Llanddewi Brefi, Tregaron.

Vintage, hydraulic lift – 1, John Lewis, White House, Meifod, Powys, 2, Huw Griffiths, Penrhyndyn, Rhydyclafdy, Pwllheli, 3, Cliff Hamer, Bryn Feinion, Dolwen, Llanidloes, 4, Philip Jones, Sunlea, Tregynon, Newtown, Powys.

Open, under 26 years – 1, James George, Derlwyn, Hayscastle, Haverfordwest, 2, Euron Griffiths, Penrhyndyn, Rhydyclafdy, Pwllheli.

Ferguson TE20 – 1, John Evans, Mwynant, Eglwyswrw, Crymych, 2, Chris Gutteridge, 7 Llys Gwyn, Ffostrasol, Llandysul.

South & West Wales Championship points: Senior – Rhodri George 3, Breni Bryan 2, Lodwig Jones and Aled Morgan 1., Junior – James George 3.

Postponed a three weeks ago, due to adverse weather conditions, a day of practical tuition for all ploughing enthusiasts will now be held at Summerton Farm, Carew, near Tenby next Saturday, 5 March from 10am.

Being arranged by members of the South Pembrokeshire Society, they are bringing together a number of award winning ploughmen who will fully explain the process and to offer assistance and encouragement to keen would-be competitors of all ages -further details from Gordon Harries (01834 870148 or 0788 0578892).

The Llangolman Vintage Ploughing Society have their annual match at Llwyncelyn Lan, Llanfyrnach on Easter Saturday, March 26, and the Carmarthenshire Ploughing Match is at Brownhill fields, Llangadog on Easter Monday.

Supporters are also reminded that the 2016 All Wales ploughing and hedging championships will take place on 17 September at Mill Ground, Tregoyd, Brecon, Powys and the European Vintage Ploughing Evenet will be at Rowston Farm, Pembroke on Saturday, September 24.