Team Grutters wins NK Maasheggenvlechten 2023

On Sunday, March 12, the 17th Dutch Championship Maasheggenvlechten took place in Oeffelt. Portal de Vilt was this time the place where the competition took place. Team Grutters from Oeffelt became, already for the third time, Dutch Champion.

During this edition 44 teams competed for the coveted challenge trophy. More than 200 plaiters were cutting, sawing, pruning and plaiting. Land van Cuijk was well represented, but students from the University of Wageningen also know how to find Oeffelt. With no less than six teams they participated in this championship.

In addition to Maasheggen style, foreign styles were also woven. In addition to the English style, the Irish, Welsh, French and Belgian styles were also represented. From Ireland their champion Clive Lyttle had traveled to Oeffelt to show his braiding skills.

Collaboration with equestrian center Sprong Vooruit

Organizer Stichting Landschapsbeheer Boxmeer had teamed up with riding school Sprong Vooruit in preparation for this championship. Together with Bas and Sanne of the stables, the organizers of Slabox had arranged a nice program for the visitors. The youth department of IVN Maasvallei provided a wide range of creative activities. Children who love horses had a great time at the stables.

The winning teams

Team Grutters, consisting of Antoon Grutters, Paul Grutters, Henk Grutters and Piet Peters from Oeffelt, received the best score from the expert jury. The Toppers from Vierlingsbeek consisting of Peter Stevens, Wim Geurts, Henny de Haas and Rinaldo Derks van de Ven came in second. In third place was the team Loerangel from Boxmeer (Bert Guntlisbergen, Walter Claassen and Guido van Oorschot).

Each year, the prize for the best run-out hawthorn hedge from the previous championship is also awarded. The team Mit d'n stroam mit' from Boxmeer (Wim van Lanen, Christel Roelofs, Maureen van Lanen) received the Silver Half Moon to take home for a year.

The team of Marijn Schippers, Luke Schippers and Libby van den Besselaar of Behoud Groen Erfgoed Harmelen received the John French award for best logging at this championship.