SWINDON Barbell took one of the biggest squads ever to the 2016 British Powerlifting South West Open championships held in Cheltenham, where Matt Watson and Katherine White set new South West records.

The competition was run over two days, with the ladies and the men up to -83kg categories lifting on Saturday, and the -93kg categories and above in action on Sunday.

Watson set his South West records in the -93kg class in squat (251kg) and bench (168kg) and also added a third personal best in deadlift (202.5kg) to be crowned South West men’s champion.

Competing in the -72kg class, White set a South West squat record of 127.5kg and her marks in bench (60kg) and deadlift (152.5kg) also saw her post a record total White said: “I am very happy with my squat. I have worked hard on my form and, along with assistance from my coach, Charlie, it is clearly paying off.

“I am frustrated at my bench and deadlift. I have changed my technique and I think that is going to take a long time before the changes take a positive effect.”

Kasia Huchrak won the -57kg class after posting a total of 287.5kg. Her marks were 100kg in squat, 65kg in bench and 122.5kg in deadlift.

She said: “I learned a lot from this meet and it was a bit of a turning point – I’m excited about building up in the future and new things to come.

“Thanks to everyone for their support.”

Lauren Randall finished second in the -52kg event after posting marks of 70kg in squat, 35kg in bench and 100kg in deadlift.

Anna Reid had a total lift above 200kg for the first time in the -84kg class thanks to lifts of 75kg in squad, 50kg in bench and 90kg in deadlift.

In the 84+kg class, Helen Toms broke her personal best in the bench (70kg) to go alongside two lifts of 100kg in both squat and deadlift.

David Wozniack posted new personal bests in all three of his lifts in the -105kg section. His new marks were 170kg in squat, 160kg in bench and 215kg in deadlift.

“I managed to actually push out some true personal bests at this competition as this is only my second and got a 47.5kg PB on my total,” said Wozniak.

“Although I compete in strongman, I’ve never maxed out on the three main lifts as you do in powerlifting and I am enjoying seeing what I am good at.

“I’m hoping to represent Swindon Barbell on All England and British Bench Press.”

Evan McCloy set a South West bench best in the -83kg class with a 137.5kg lift and also posted personal bests in squat (170kg) and deadlift (195kg).

In the -93kg class, Chris Goulding broke the 200kg barrier in squat (200kg) and deadlift (235kg). His 120kg bench helped him to a total of 555kg.

The club would like to thank Helen Toms, Christie Civetta, Karl Marillier and Charlie Shotton-Gale for coaching the lifters.