The opposition of the Tenterfield Thunderbolts were thunderstruck at the Australian Tug of War titles in Brisbane last month, after running the gauntlet with the Dumaresq Gladiators.

Both teams entered in weight groups for indoor and outdoor events.

The Dumaresq Gladiators won five gold medals in the 600kg, 640kg, 680kg, 720 kg and catchweight divisions. The Thunderbolts won gold, three silvers and a bronze medal. The gold medal was for the indoor 640kg event.

Thunderbolt team member, Mark Rhodes, was pleased with the way his team performed at the titles.

“The guys competed well. We have been together for 18 months and competed in two Australian titles,” Mark said.

“Everyone works as a team, everyone pulls together. It only works if everyone is committed.

Mark, who originally pulled for the Tenterfield Thistles, thought the young blood in the team helped to keep the sport alive.

“All the guys are younger blokes and mates. Brad Foan and myself are original members of the Tenterfield Thistles,” Mark said.

“They have a great time on the rope, and a great time off the rope.

“After a loss they pat each other’s backs, saying ‘better luck next time’. Very few sports do that.”

Mark described the sport as a great character and team building sport that had a lot of comradarie amongst all the teams that compete in Tug of War.

The Thunderbolts have been training along side the Gladiators to improve as a team, setting the Dumaresq team as a benchmark to beat.

“The Dumaresq Gladiators help us out with training sessions. They make us a better team, which keeps their edge,” Mark said.

“They are very passionate about the sport. It keeps us going.”

Another puller for the Thunderbolts, Craig Brown, thought the result at the titles was good without extensive training throughout the year.

“We never did a lot during the year. We weren’t trained up,” Craig said.

“I’ve been involved for 10 years. It’s been a bit on an interest, I didn’t play football, and I didn’t have the time.

“It’s a good feeling on the rope, especially when it’s going your way.”

The sport has been in decline over the past decade, according to Mark Rhodes, who said that Australia presently had between six to 10 teams.

“When I started there were 20 teams,” Mark said.

“It’s going the other way with lifestyle, work commitments, money and travelling.”

Mark said that the team is always looking for new people to join and pull for the Thunderbolts. Though he admits it is not a sport that suits everybody and the team would think nothing less of people that participate but find that it is not the sport for them.

The Dumaresq Gladiators are also seeking a sponsor to help them get to the World Championships held in Sweden in September.