World Water Bombing Championships

The World Water Bombing Champion spectacularly retained his title and immediately threw down the gauntlet to his most illustrious rival.

Steve Ayres took the title for the second year in succession at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre after pulling a near perfect score of 19.5 in the 'Bomb Off' after seven bombers had tied for the lead in the Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising event.

His pioneering treble tuck somersault bomb technique blew away the judges and following victory he wasted no time in challenging Peter Kay, star of the famous John Smith's No Nonsense adverts, to a dual for the undisputed water bombing champion of the world.

Steve, of Kier Lifts' Sore Botics team who also topped the fancy dress table for their impressive robot costumes, said: "They say the hardest thing about being a world champion is going out there and successfully defending your title so I'm proud to prove myself a true champion!

"We have been calling it the 'Pot Noodle' title – for instant success just add water! Some people claim Peter Kay is the water bombing champion so I'm challenging him to a 'bomb off' for the title – anytime anywhere!"

The team winners were the SAD (Sheffield Amateur Diving) Team Reserves who chalked up an impressive overall score of 79 out of 80, just pipping tournament sponsors Eric Twigg Foods' Who Ate All The Pies team.

It was just reward for the commitment and often kamikaze approach to water bombing that the Sheffield foursome displayed.

A bloody-nosed SAD team captain Richard Rattlidge said: "We're thrilled our hard work and bruises have paid off. We play water polo here at Ponds Forge three times a week and I only saw the notice board last week so it's been a week of intensive water bombing training!

"We have been called 'showmen' but it's a sport that's close to our hearts and for a fantastic cause so we had no shortage of help and encouragement from family and friends. We came here not expecting to win but to entertain the crowd and we're delighted to take home the team crown!"

The event is expected to raise between £2,500 and £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and local fundraising manager Steve Loane from the charity paid tribute to the participants.

Steve said: "Congratulations to Steve Ayres, the Sore Botics and SAD Team Reserves for their success. It's been a great event with some top bombing and everyone who took part deserves a big pat on the back. Special thanks to Ponds Forge for allowing us to use their amazing facilities and Eric Twigg Foods for providing sponsorship."

Teams representing DESQ, Britannia Building Society, Maltby Sub Aqua, Alan Martin Furniture and Richard Ratcliffe & Co also participated in the event at the Sheffield International Venues-managed facility.


I am assured that pictures and videos will be available in a few days from the Ponds Forge site