Bonner sets sights on title repeat (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Bonner sets sights on title repeat

1:00pm Saturday 6th February 2010 in Sport By John Boyman

BASINGSTOKE powerlifter Andy Bonner has his sights set on yet another national crown after picking up three titles at the southern counties championship.

Reigning world champion Bonner cruised to victory at the Southern Counties British Drug Free Powerlifting Association championships, which took place in Bournemouth last weekend.

Competing in the 90kg class, he squatted 220kg, bench pressed 145kg and deadlifted 275kg for a total of 640kg.

This was enough to earn him victory in the 50-54 age category, while he also beat off the challenge of much younger lifters to claim the open title.

He also beat off competition from 70 other athletes to win overall best lifter – but says there is more to come.

“It’s always nice to win but there is a bit more in the tank,” Bonner said.

“My aim for the year is to get a 700kg total but we will see.”

Fellow Basingstoke Powerlifting Club members Matt Adcock and Phil Maton joined Bonner at the event – and both did enough to qualify for the national championships.

Maton won the 45-49 age category in the 75kg class and also finished third in the open event, squatting 160kg, bench pressing 100kg and deadlifting 210kg for a total of 470kg.

Adcock suffered an injury scare before the competition but recovered to finish third in the open 100kg class.

He squatted 200kg, bench pressed 150kg and deadlifted 250kg for a total of 600kg.

“Our build up was disrupted because the |competition was earlier than normal and we had been unable to train during the snow,” Bonner said.

“We went there just to qualify for the British Championships in April, so it was good to do that.”

Another member of the Basingstoke club, Jean Maton, has also been in action.

She topped the 82.5kg class at the Great British Powerlifting Federation equipped bench press championship with a lift of 112.5kg.