Tug of War is a relatively new sport in the Army Cadet Force and 2004 saw the first county teams from Suffolk ACF competing at Regional and National Level.

The success of the Boys and Girls teams at the Eastern Region Athletics Meeting in May 2004 resulted in their being selected to enter the National ACF Championships in July 2004.

Held in Colchester at the Military Festival, enthusiastic crowds cheered on the teams.

At the end of the preliminary rounds Suffolk Boys had to be satisfied with 3rd place to the experienced finalists, Highlanders and Leicester/Northamptonshire.

Suffolk Girls had won three pulls and drawn one and, with seven points, were in the final, pulling against the Highlanders, also with seven points.

This was a most remarkable effort by all concerned especially as it was the first competitive year for Suffolk.

Suffolk won the first end, Highlanders the second and then it all depended on the 3rd pull.

Suffolk ACF were most grateful for the vocal support of their local rivals, Norfolk ACF !

After a magnificent effort, with both teams moving to and fro, it was Highlanders who won the final pull.

At least the Suffolk ACF Girls 2004 Tug of War Team can declare themselves as ‘Best in England!’

Particular thanks go to the Adult Leaders whose enthusiasm had much to do with the success of these Suffolk teenagers:
trainer John Barber, Boys coach Trevor Willoughby and Girls coach Pete Fowler.