WILD wind and rain greeted the 70 competitors from across Britain keen to show their conker skills at the third Scottish Conker Championship in Peebles on Saturday.
The 2007 World Conker Champion Ady Hurrell returned to the championship marquee at Tweed Green but his striking skills were trumped by his brother, Maurice of Tillibody, who seized this year’s overall title.
Organisers Borders Forest Trust (BFT) c
ommunications officer Louisa Finch said: “It came as no surprise to discover that Maurice is the brother of former World Champion Ady, although he insisted he’d only been given a quick lesson the day before.”
There were home victories in the youth and juniors categories when Peebles’ 12-year-old Scott Bell triumphed in the youth section and Christopher McDonald, also from the town, showed concentration and skill beyond his eight years to take the juniors title.
Bowhill ranger Lynsey Menmuir took the Rogue trophy where, unlike other classes, competitors bring their own doctored conker, some soaked in vinegar, others dried in airing cupboards.
Mrs Finch said: “Her small conker had drawn sceptical glances in the early rounds, but it proved to be unbreakable.”
Winners received an elm burr conker made by Peebles wood turner Bruce Frost of Wood Works.
