European champion takes Four Shows’ Trophy

Recently crowned European Vintage Ploughing Champion John Milne, from Penistone in Yorkshire, added to his triumph by winning the Four Shows Champion Trophy after a successful series of runs at the Collingham, Flintham and Southwell Ploughing Matches.

John, who obviously has an affinity for the number four as he has taken the European crown for the same number of successive years, did not have it all his own way in the series championship, which became a two-horse race between himself and fellow Yorkshireman Michael Watkins who hails from Maltby.

John, who managed a win at Collingham followed by a second at Flintham, and Michael, who reversed the order at both matches, went into the final leg at Southwell neck and neck. However, his recent win at the Isle of Man contest must have given John added confidence as he once more beat Michael into second place to win by the narrowest margin of two points.

John, who drove his European Championship combination of a Massey Ferguson 35 tractor to a Ransomes RSLD plough said: "I was very pleased to win. I used to compete at these shows back in the 70s but due to a clash with the National Welsh Championships, I haven't taken part for some years."

"I've known Michael for a long time and competed against him for many years. Either of us could have won at Southwell, it was a good contest."

Nine competitors took part in the Four Shows Trophy, so called because of its strong links with the Newark & Nottinghamshire County Show, which offers complimentary tickets as part of the prize along with the magnificent trophy donated by John Brydon, the 2006 Newark and Nottingham Show President.