WATERPROOFS, wellies and umbrellas were the order of the day for spectators and competitors attending a charity ploughing match at Rokeby on Sunday as persistent rain pummeled the region.
There were slightly fewer competitors than in previous years for the match at Ewebank Farm for the event, due mainly to the poor weather conditions.
However 11 drivers braved the rain on their vintage tractors and went head to head to see who could make the straightest furrow, in spite of the weather.
Stars of the show were two 100-year-old steam traction engines owned by Stephen Kearton from Boldron.
The twin, fully restored John Fowler engines arrived on low loaders and attracted a lot of attention from visitors.
Unfortunately although they made it to host Peter Moss’ farm, the decision was taken not to attempt ploughing.
It was a disappointment for Mr Keaton and his son Robert, who were looking forward to trying out the impressive machines, for the first time.
He said: "It’s a shame but we'd probably make more mess than anything and there is a chance they would bog out. If only the weather could have held like yesterday. We’ve had them for five and a half years now and still not had the opportunity to try ploughing.
“We were looking at an outing three weeks ago in Northumberland, but rain ahead of that match meant the ground was so boggy, on the day it was lovely sunshine. It’s just the nature of weather.”
Despite this competition was fierce with the field full of vintage machines and their drivers creating the straightest furrows they could in the soaking conditions.
