Rugby player lifts trophy at championship

The 16-year-old, who also plays rugby for GHA, won the Scottish unequipped powerlifting championship for his weight category (66 kg).

The fifth year pupil lifted a total of 332.5kg over these championships which are run by the Scottish Power lifting federation and were held at the Palace Of Art at Bellahouston.

In the process of becoming Scottish champion, Matthew equalled the Scottish dead lift record in his weight category, by lifting 150kg, and also qualified for the British championships in October.

The youngster, who trains three times a week under the guidance of coach Hugh Long at the Braidholm powerlifting club, told ExtraSport: “It has been a quick transition, most of that is because of the coaching I have been fortunate to receive. I am aiming to go as far as I can at the sport and I will do anything I can to make sure I can compete at the worlds.”