First and foremost what an outstanding show! With over 90 competitors on the day, every class was packed with quality competitors, enough to give the judges a big headache. Kicking off proceedings was the over 60s, won by Paul Phillips, quickly followed by the over 50s, won by Martin Docket before the massive Masters over 40s class which was hard fought with Roger Waters winning the day. The stage was set with these classes; prejudging show cased the competitor's fine physiques while at the evening show the bar for performance was raised, with the full range of props and styles on display. The classes following picked up baton ably with great entertaining routines and quality physiques, the best presentation trophies being as hard fought as the classes themselves.
With the Masters having led the way, the teens and juniors stepped up and showed that the state of the BNBF is not only extremely healthy but packed with quality beef to boot. Richie Hopper and Robert Waterhouse were deserved class winners on the day. Miss Figure, always a crowd favourite, did not disappoint with great physiques on display with brilliant routines, a closely fought class saw Heather Smith take first place. The novice class was packed to the rafters, many of these guys in their first year of competition could have easily pushed in the classes, and David Kaye goes home with the winner's trophy having fired a good shot across the bows of the Classes ready for next year.
The lightweights came down to a close battle that saw Barry Cunliffe take the winners trophy, but he will have to be on top form next year in the class where the conditioning is always shredded to the bone, dry and rock hard. The middleweights saw the battle of Daz and Darren continue, this time the nod went to Darren Vernon – no disgrace to place in a middleweight class of depth and quality. The women's classes were split this year into Lightweight and Heavyweight, giving the extra bonus of an overall pose down. In the lightweights Sarah Meek took the win with 2nd and 3rd closely fought and snapping at her heels. In the heavies Annie Otter had the edge and displayed a complete physique. The overall women's pose down went to Annie, her extra muscle and condition gave the edge on the day – a welcome addition to the professional ranks.
The final class on the day was the heavyweights, and well worth the wait they were. Marius Alice took the win but it was yet another close fought class, and another big judging headache. The men's overall saw the quality of the show revealed with possible winners left right and centre, and the crowd urging on their own favourites. Darren Vernon took the win with his blend of symmetry, condition and of course quality muscle.
A great day and a fitting showcase for the best British Natural Muscle.
