Tug of war pulls the crowds

Cobras take part in the Tug of War Challenge

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Rugby League had a strong presence as the Olympic Torch passed through Rochdale on Saturday, as local clubs took part in a Tug of War Challenge.

Organised by Link4Life's Bolton, Bury and Rochdale Rugby League Development Group  the event took place at Rochdale Town Hall and was complemented by an information stall on the Rugby League World Cup, hosted by Rochdale Hornets in the Town Hall itself.

First up on the day were the cubs, as Littleborough Wolves took on Rochdale Cobras in a battle of the under 9s.

It was Cobras who showed there strength early on, as they went into a one nil lead, only to see the Wolves win the next two ends and with it take the first match.

Inspired by the little ones, Littleborough Coaches and Committee then took to the rope against the Acorn Project, winning two nil.

The Cobras Committee then took on Rochdale Town Centre Management who, aided by a chef and various Littelborough members, put up a good fight before being defeated two nil.

Rochdale Hornets then provided a team of board members and fans to take on Cobras. With 24 stone Ben Boothman at the Anchor of the Cobras team and Brian Belfield struggling with an injury for the Hornets, there was only ever going to be one winner, as Cobras won through two end to nil.

As the rain began to come down, the main event got under way as Fiji UK, a team of British based Fijians who were in town to promote the Rugby League World Cup coming to Rochdale in 2013, taking on a 'Best of Rochdale' team.

With some giants in their team, it was the Fijians who managed to edge the first end, pulling Rochdale over the line after a gruellingly long contest.

Rochdale responded, as Littleborough Swarm, Hornets and Cobras pulled together to shock the crowd and pull the match level at one all.

The second leg defeat seemed to galvanise the Fijians, as they took a no nonesense approach to end the third pull in record time, much to the delight of the large gathered crowd.

Fiji will play Ireland in October 2013 as the Rugby League World Cup comes to Spotland Stadium Rochdale.