1.
GV: Cumberland hills ZOOM OUT TO show contestants lined up
0.11

2.
GV: two wrestlers wrestling
0.45

3.
CU: photographer
0.48

4.
CU: final of wrestling bout.
1.12

5.
CU: spectators watch as winner collects trophy.
1.25



Initials RH/JB/JB/1540



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In the recently finished Olympics there were two forms of wrestling - Freestyle and Graeco-Roman. But in the north of England, it is another form of wrestling that is thriving - Cumberland and Westmoreland.

SYNOPSIS: The sport gets its name from England's Lake District where it takes place. It's believed to have been introduced by the Vikings who invaded Britain in the eighth century. The object of the game is merely to over-balance your opponent and the loser is the first one to touch the ground with any part of the body, other than the feet. The only additional complication is that throughout the bout, the wrestlers must maintain what is simply known as 'the hold'. That is the traditional hands locked together grip around the opponents back. If one lets go, he loses the bout. With the exception of kicking, the wrestlers are allowed to use any means to throw each other.

Some fine throws, or 'chips' as they're called, have been developed. Among the most spectacular chips is the Swinging Hype where the opponent is lifted up and then swung over sideways. Another popular throw is the Leg Up buttock. In this, the leg goes up between the opponent's legs, then with a quick swivel of the hips, he's swung over onto his back. There are four weight categories and any number of wrestlers may take part. But for those who don't win the fighting, there's always the chance of taking the best dressed wrestler's prize.