BNBF Scottish 2007
Report by Liam Armstrong
How the West was Won
BNBF Scottish leaves home, new pastures green, everything rosy.
This was the biggest Scottish to date with an awesome venue and 54 awesome
competitors. The fist time in the SECC in Glasgow and the event was sold
out. The stage lighting and sound were the BNBF usual high standard and
the audience as well as being the biggest at any BNBF comp to date were
loud and enthuasiatic, an amazing start to the BNBF Season.Big thanks to
Extreme Nutrition for their continued support
Novice
sponsored by ENROL-BNBF
The first class of the day was the Novice Class, never lacking in competitors,
this year saw fourteen take to the stage to do battle. Surprisingly enough,
the strength of the Novice class has improved annually to the extent that
its top tier now represents a standard to which even the more well seasoned
competitor would do well to emulate. It is no longer just a stepping stone
to the weight classes but a veritable stomping ground in its own right.
Competitor number one, Prince Ayemere Odeh laid testament
to this with a physique that displayed both superb conditioning and balance.
His deep, thick abs and detailed torso are reminiscent of a young Dexter
Jackson, crisp, dry and full. Structurally, capped, wide delts and neat
hips created a pleasing V-taper that was especially impressive from the
rear, perhaps because he seemed to execute these particular poses more efficiently.
The separation in his glutes and hams was excellent as was his confident,
relaxed persona on stage. If one were to pick fault then a little more size
and flair in his legs, especially in the front poses would do well to compliment
his physique. A pleasure to watch as he evidently enjoyed his time in the
spotlight, a little fine tuning with his posing and he should do very well
at the Britain.
Competitor number seven, Antonio Marques, was in great
condition but unfortunately his rather bizarre front relaxed pose detracted
from this somewhat. Displaying a lean, muscular physique Antonio really
needs to stand up tall in order to present himself to the best of his abilities.
A severely inflamed right nipple also did nothing to enhance his physique.
Irrespective of its nature, it was hard to ignore. There is no denying,
however, that Antonio was hard and dry and ready for business.
Competitor fourteen Iain Winter was well balanced, carried
a good amount of size and had obviously done his homework where dieting
was concerned as there was no problems in that respect. His legs from the
side were especially impressive, showcasing a blend of detail and muscularity
that other competitors lacked. This was evident once again in his back poses,
the Christmas tree in the lumbar region perhaps the most prominent feature.
Iain was well presented and posed with conviction, giving the appearance
of someone that had done this before. His fluent, professional execution
and well choreographed routine should serve as benchmark for other aspiring
novices. With more size and a touch more fullness Iain will progress very
well in the sport.
William Elliot, number three, carried a lot of muscle for
a novice. Had William’s conditioning been better then he could have
rivaled the competitors that placed above him more convincingly, however
on this day it was not to be. Great arms, big full pecs and a very wide
rear lat spread, everything is in place, it’s just a case of nailing
that conditioning to show your true potential.
Competitor number nine, Jonny McDougall, was frustrating
to watch as he hid his physique in a lot of poses. Much of the time, Jonny’s
poses were ‘trap dominant’ which detracted from the true width
of his shoulders and also prevented him from executing the front and rear
lat spread effectively. The poses that he really stood out in were the abs
and thigh and the most muscular, this is where his physique really came
in to its own. He has great arms, a thick set of abs and a good amount of
thickness in his upper back. His condition was good but he was lacking in
fullness, being notably flat in the legs. With a good deal of work on his
posing, a little less frowning and a bit of fine tweaking with carbohydrates
in the latter stages of his contest prep I have no doubt Jonny could do
well in future competitions.
After an arduous pose down, at risk of causing the depleted competitors
to drop like flies the results were as follows. In first place, Prince,
second, Antonio Marques, third, Iain Winter,
fourth, William Elliot and fifth, Jonny McDougall.
Teens sponsored by A.B.
All Trades
The next class of the day was the Teen class. Traditionally
judged alongside the Junior class, this is the first time it has existed
as an entirely separate entity. The excellent standard of competitor and
the fact that the line-up comprised of four competitors in its first inclusion
in a BNBF programme was very encouraging indeed.
The first competitor on stage was number fifteen Robbie Bell.
Robbie had good size, especially in the arms and legs, but needs to work
on his conditioning if he is to place higher.
James Cumming, number sixteen, had a great torso with naturally
wide shoulders and a good V-taper. His conditioning was very good for his
first outing, as was his confident on stage persona. James needs to work
on bringing up his legs to match his upper half to make his very promising
physique more complete, I am sure he knows this already and am confident
that it will not be a problem for him.
Competitor number seventeen, Martin Dunwoodie, continued
the trend with another physique that is loaded with potential. With a little
more training he will get the size and detail he needs to place higher.
The final competitor in the Teen class was number eighteen, Calum
Macauley. Calum carries a good deal of muscle for his age, especially
in his arms and upper back. His most muscular pose would rival many a competitor
in the Junior Class, with huge traps and a great deal of thickness across
his shoulders and upper chest. Calum sported the most developed legs in
the class; his quads were noticeably more muscular than the other competitors,
as were his hamstrings in the rear poses. It must have been very close between
Calum and James, but Calums lower half clinched the victory for him. Well
done Calum.
First place, Calum Macauley, second, James Cumming,
third, Martin Dunwoodie and fourth, Robbie Bell
Junior sponsored by Gracemount Gym
Another awesome crop of youngsters took to the stage
for the Junior Class. First up was Andrew Chappell, fresh
from his recent spur of victories in numerous other federations’ competitions.
Andrew probably feels he has something to prove this year after his second
place finish at last years BNBF British finals and he certainly did himself
no injustice here. There were certainly some noticeable improvements to
his physique which were complimented by his now trademark rock hard conditioning.
In particular his rear poses have improved with more density and width across
his back and more separation in his quads and hamstrings. Andrew was full
and vascular but could have been slightly dryer if one were to nitpick.
He presents a very balanced package that will undeniably improve with age,
as will his posing I’m sure.
Next up was Stephen Core. Something of an enigma in the
run up to the show, Stephen fulfilled all the hype and then some. His physique
belied belief for his age. At twenty two years old, Stephen would have had
to compete in the Novice Class had the new under twenty three ruling not
come in this year, but by no means would he have looked out of place. His
physique was hanging with thick, full muscle, most noticeably in the arms,
pecs and legs. The separation and detail in his lower body was outstanding,
one of the best of the day. Stephen is another one that needs to work on
his posing for the Britain, at present he has a tendency to throw off his
balance in a number of poses; a minor flaw in what was otherwise an exceptional
first outing.
Number twenty three, Robert Lewis presented a very neat
physique with great overall balance; his conditioning was also very good.
Roberts’ physique came alive when he posed, he wasn’t as instantly
impressive as Andrew and Stephen when he walked on stage but came in to
his own during the muscularity and free posing rounds.
Nathan McCauley, number twenty four, was in good condition
and sported perhaps the widest shoulders of the class. His arms were also
a standout body part. With more size across his frame and a little more
flair to his lower half Nathan will do well.
Mark Score is another competitor that has a lot of promise,
it will just take time to fill out his huge frame, but when he does, heavyweights
beware.
The results were as follows; Stephen Core, first, Andrew
‘Mushy’ Chappell a close second, Robert Lewis,
third and Nathan Macauley, fourth.
Masters sponsored by
the Fitness Factory
The Master class continued the exceptional standard in conditioning that
had preceded it. Number twenty eight, Rob Carey, was his
usual shredded self as was George Kerr.
Grant Gebbie had an excellently conditioned midsection,
with more muscle in his legs and more size overall he will no doubt begin
to move up the placings.
Charlie McKee was most probably the biggest competitor
in the class. Charlie carries a massive amount of muscle in his upper body,
especially across his delts. Pecs and arms, but never quite gets his conditioning
right. His legs were slightly soft in comparison to his upper body and I
feel that in this particular line-up conditioning was a factor that could
not be ignored. When Charlie finally nails his conditioning he could really
be a force to be reckoned with.
Ted Clifton took the honors in the over sixty class and
George Kerr in the Over fifty. George, although a perennial victor in his
own age group, presents a physique that will always contest for the top
spots in any Masters Class. Although never the biggest physique on stage,
he always manages to get in great condition and present a good combination
of balance and detail. His legs are still slightly overshadowed by his upper
body but this is something that George consistently strives to rectify,
the improvements made are there to be seen at each consecutive outing.
Jim Blyth, number twenty seven, has a great physique; balanced,
plenty of muscle and a good level of conditioning. If Jim could get a touch
harder and improve on his posing, in particular ensuring that he holds his
legs tight constantly, then there is no reason he could not win this class
in the future.
Competitor number thirty one, Derek McMenemy, had good
size, especially across the upper body. Everything is there, with improvement
in his conditioning he will most definitely place higher.
In fourth place, Charlie Mckee, third place, Jim
Blyth, second place, George Kerr, first place
Rob Carey; displaying a hard, dry, muscular balanced physique as
one would now expect from Rob, as consistent a competitor as one will ever
see.
Guest
Star
PNBA Professional and former BNBF British
Lightweight champion David Hannah was this years Guest Star. A
few weeks off the chocolate and Davy was in more than respectable condition
for his posing routine. The amount of muscle that Davy carries for a man
of his frame size belies belief. This coupled with a flawless posing routine
made him a delight to watch and ensured a thoroughly entertaining show for
the crowd. Rock on Davy.
Figure sponsored by
Planet Bodybuild
The next class on stage, and the first of the two
female classes of the day, was the figure class.
Jenny Garside, number thirty five, brought a great package
to the stage, her midsection and rear poses being especially impressive.
Her stage presence commanded the judge’s attention and her presentation
was impeccable, most noticeably in her routine. The conditioning in her
upper body was excellent, although slightly ahead of her comparatively softer
lower half. Despite this, it was obvious that the muscle and shape in her
legs was there and so didn’t mask the fact that her physique showed
pleasing lines and good balance from head to toe.
Number thirty six, Ellouise Hempstead did well on what
was her first showing. Although she was soft, her presentation was good
and her shape showed potential, the taper in her upper body and flair in
her lats being her strongest assets. Some of the male audience may disagree
with me on that last point, however, as her evening routine was perhaps
the most raunchy and provocative ever to grace a BNBF stage. It certainly
got the judges attention I would imagine. A little too much at times for
me personally but well done for embracing the freedom of expression in your
own unique way. Mike we expect something similar from you on your next outing.
Competitor number thirty seven, Lynn Thornton, had good
condition, especially in her upper half but was too lightly muscled and
lacked the flair required to challenge for the top spot. Her presentation
and stage manner were very professional and she accepted her eventual placing
sportingly, unfortunately the same cannot be said for one of her supporter’s
conduct in the back stage area where damage to the venue may well jeopardize
the BNBF securing the same venue for future events. I sincerely hope not,
as the positive feedback about the SECC has been outstanding.
Trudy Wood, number thirty eight, was her usual radiant
self. Her posing and presentation are excellent, her physique is constantly
improving also with great arms and delts and a good upper body in general.
Trudy excels in the front and side poses where the imbalance between her
upper and lower half are least noticeable. From the rear, however, it is
evident that Trudy needs to continue working on bringing her legs more in
to balance with her upper body.
Results as follows; first place, Jenny Garside, second
place, Trudy Wood, third place, Ellouise Hempstead,
fourth place, Lynn Thornton.
Lightweight Sponsored
by Udos Choice
Next up was the first of the weight classes for the
day, the Lightweight Mr. Class. Number forty, Barry Cunliffe,
was instantly recognizable as one of the front runners. The size Barry holds
for a lightweight is amazing, his physique appears densely muscled and thick
from all angles. His conditioning was excellent; hard dry legs with striated
glutes. Barry really needs to work on presenting his physique to its fullest
though as his posing didn’t do him any justice, especially with those
great legs that he possesses. Despite his presentation, Barry had everything
else in place and was my favorite physique in this class.
Stuart McCulloch on the other hand was a very confident
poser. This coupled with his neat, balanced package made him a threat to
Barry. Stuart’s condition was great, dry and hard with striated triceps
and an abundance of detail in his back and midsection. Nothing in Stuart’s
physique stood out as such but this is a compliment rather than a criticism,
everything was proportionate and flowed well.
Competitor number forty two, Andy Williams, is another
powerhouse physique with plenty of good mature muscle on his frame. Andy
competes out of Glencairn Weightlifting Club and it certainly shows in his
physique. Andy was lacking condition in his lower body which may have hurt
him a little. The muscle and shape is all there, it’s just a case
of getting that bit harder.
Jared Clay, thirty nine, was in good condition but was
too lightly muscled to trouble for the top spots, Jared has potential though
and I hope to see him improve and progress in the sport.
Felix McAlinden has competed with the BNBF for a good few
years now and has continually made improvements to his physique. On this
occasion his condition was again good with more flair and definition in
his legs. Felix thoroughly deserved his Britain invite as he has certainly
worked for it. Congratulations Felix.
The results of the Lightweight Class were; Barry Cunliffe,
First, Stuart McCulloch, Second, Andy Williams, Third and
Felix McAlinden, Fourth.
Middleweight sponsored
by St Mirren Fitness Club
The next class of the day was the Middleweight
Mr.’s. First on stage and his first time in the weight classes was
former Novice competitor Ryan Caddow. In my opinion Ryan
has made some significant improvements to his physique in his time away
from the competitive arena. He has made excellent gains in size and this
was evident throughout his physique, his legs which were always a strong
point in terms of mass are now even bigger and his posing has come on leaps
and bounds. Ryan was not displaying his usual level of conditioning and
appeared to be holding water, especially in the legs which I feel hurt his
placing. Ryan is more than capable of nailing his condition, as he has shown
numerous times in the past, and when he does that extra size will really
make an impression. Rise to the challenge Ryan, it’s all there for
you.
Next on stage was Raymond James, undoubtedly the physique
of the day. Raymond has always shown potential in the past but had yet to
fulfill it. Today he did, and then some. Raymond was rock hard and dry as
a bone, his glutes were like cheese graters and his quads striated and feathered
beyond belief. Raymond had the whole package; size, symmetry and conditioning,
all presented flawlessly. His abs and thigh shot, rear double bicep and
most muscular would rival any pro on the circuit today. The rest of his
physique is up there also. If Raymond can keep his hand out the cookie jar
and stay focused for October then there is no reason that he can’t
be in the running for the whole hog. In a word Raymond James on this particular
day was the ‘Damage’.
Alan Kemp, competitor number forty five, was in good condition
and displayed his usual blend of great balance and symmetry. Alan still
seems to me to be too lightly muscled for his height and will need to continue
filling out his frame if he is to challenge for first place. Alan’s
skin tone was far too light which makes it harder for the judges to appreciate
the full extent of what a physique has to offer.
Number forty six, Andrew Lawrenson, had a pleasing physique
with a hard upper body, a great midsection and a great lat spread. Andrew
needs to bring his legs up to balance out his physique. Keep at it Andrew.
The results of the Middleweight class were Raymond James
in first place, Alan Kemp in second, Ryan Caddow
in third and Andrew Lawrenson in fourth.
Heavyweight sponsored by Pronaturalmuscle.com
The final Mr. Class of the day was the Heavyweight
class, the conditioning of which was below the level that we had come accustomed
to throughout the day. There were two notable exceptions however in Ian
Hendy and Dan Lampard.
Ian Hendy, number forty eight, was an absolute monster
of a man. The amount of muscle he carried was ridiculous. His quads were
literally hanging with thick, full, striated muscle and his back was molded
in a similar vane. Ian’s condition was excellent and his physique
very complete, on this occasion it appeared that he was going prove too
much for his fellow competitors. It is unusual to see someone of his size
carry such good proportions. Ian could do with bringing his arms up slightly
to sit better amongst his cannonball delts and massive pecs. In a word,
a mountain.
Competitor forty nine, Dan Lampard, had a great taper coupled
with good conditioning. Dan brought another very complete package to the
stage that was hard to pick fault with. More size in general whilst maintaining
the same flowing lines and Dan could be an awesome Heavyweight competitor.
Brian Lewis, number fifty, was big, full and soft in the
legs. Brian has it all, great flair to his physique, absolutely beasting
huge legs, great thickness in his upper body, his traps, arms and delts
especially. He wanted to qualify for the Britain so it was job done, although
he knows that the same condition on that stage just won’t cut it.
I’m more than confident that the real Brian Lewis will be on show
come October, most likely as a Middleweight, and if he nails it he can mix
it with the best of them. Come on Brian, let’s be having you!
Competitors number fifty one and fifty two, John Melville
and Phil Wharf both need to work on there conditioning.
John just needs to keep on filling out that huge frame where as Phil has
it all there, we just need to see it. When he finally nails it he will be
a great heavyweight, no question.
Miss Physique sponsored
by Crystal Feeva
The final class of the day was the Miss Physique
Class. There were only two competitors but it was a very closely matched
ordeal. Lyn Sneddon had more size than Laura Young
but Laura displayed superior conditioning, both were excellently presented
and posed well so it was difficult to see which way the judges would go.
In the end however, Lynn won out. Her size and balance were chosen over
Laura’s conditioning, detail and slightly less balanced physique.
Overall sponsored
by Extreme Nutrition
With each class judged, the evening show almost complete
and the entire audience still traumatized by the guy from Enrol’s
‘short’ speech it was on to the overall.
Prince, Calum, Stephen, Rob, Barry, Raymond and Ian
all took to the stage for the grand finale, the crowning of Mr. Scotland
2007. The main contenders, those in the first call out, were Raymond, Ian
and the Junior winner Stephen. After a host of symmetry and muscularity
comparisons, it was becoming clear that one physique was just too much for
all concerned. On this day, he was the full package and no number of comparisons
could deny him that. The Best Wheels, The Best Presentation and The Overall
Mr. Scotland was awarded to Raymond James, a clean sweep
for the Edinburgh boy and one that he fully deserved. An outstanding start
to the competitive season for the BNBF, lets hope that the standard continues
throughout the qualifiers. If so, then it will be one hell of a Britain.
The Author of this report
accepts no responsibility for anything at all whatsoever and wishes to make
this perfectly clear from the outset.
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