FOUR Grafton powerlifters combined to win major events, with one setting a national record, in the Matti Tikka Challenge on the Hunter.

Matti Tikka is a former powerlifting world champion and opal miner. For many years he has sponsored this competition, which is the second biggest in the state, by providing opals as prizes.

Powerlifting consists of three disciplines ? squat, bench and dead lift. A competitor can compete in a competition that involves all three disciplines or they can compete in a bench only competition.

State or national records can be achieved in each individual discipline as well as the total overall combined weight of the three disciplines.

Mitch Hayes competed in the 82.5kg junior division. Mitch competed in squat, bench and dead lift. Results: squat 170kg; bench 105kg; dead lift 200kg. Total 475kg giving him first place.

Greg Denny competed in the 75kg Over-40 age division of the bench only competition. Result: bench 130kg, giving him first place.

Bruce Cole-Clark competed in the 75kg Over-60 age division of the bench only competition. Result: bench 115kg, giving him first place.

Tom Macdonald competed in 82.5kg Over-50 age division.

Tom competed in squat, bench and dead lift. Results: squat 232.5kg, being a new national record; bench 115kg; dead lift 252.5kg. Total 600kg.

All four lifters train at South Grafton Gym.