EFBB
SOUTH COAST
By Mike
Dawney
MUSCLE
MOB
ISSUE
no. 7/2002
It was sensational
for me to see the stars you usually only read about in the magazines here. Included were Ernie Taylor, Dorian
Yates and Naseer El Sonbaty. There they were, in the flesh!
Paul Smith organized an
excellent EFBB day at Portsmouth at Easter on March 31st 2002. The Guildhall was an ambitious
venture. There was a friendly atmosphere with lots of smiling faces. It was a bit crowded backstage for the many competitors,
but no worries, no one complained.
There were some new stars
emerging – in the same way that last summer we had seen some new ANB talent – Aidan Badder
and Paulo Messina at Dorchester. The best EFBB physiques, which I found had impressed me
with their star quality, were Paul Repper, Richard Duerdoth and Paul Stenning,
all very big and powerful.
The show followed the usual
format of classes – first timers, novices, master etc.
There were some promising
young lads. One, a potential rising star, with a big chest and shoulders in the classic poses, much like a young Steve
Reeves. Among the novices was Raphael Nicchi, from Italy, who also had a good set of shoulders and
chest, though I was told by another observer that they felt his abs were a little blocky.
It’s a pity more
ladies don’t enter nowadays. The two girls that did, looked very feminine and attractive – Marina Cornwell
and Sue Kennedy.
In the over 90-kilo class
Barry Chamberlain looked bigger and bulkier than he had last year. He also competed soon after at the Nabba
in Gosport.
I felt that there was a
real good atmosphere at this competition. A real family event.
Paul Smith had told me
earlier in the evening show, which I was unable to stay for, that many more people came – making nearly 1000 in all.
He’s booked the same venue for Easter 2003. Congratulations Paul.
