Commonwealth Games: Bennett relishes auld rivalry

SCOTTISH hammer thrower Chris Bennett is looking to revive Auld Enemy battles at Hampden when he begins his Commonwealth Games campaign.

Bennett wants to defeat his English opponents at the home of Scottish football. Picture: Getty

Bennett is relishing the challenge of taking on some of his Great Britain team-mates - and he is driven on by the chance to come out on top against those from south of the border at the home of Scottish football.

Canadian Jim Steacy is the clear favourite for the event ahead of Monday’s heats, but there could be a home battle for medals with Bennett and fellow Scot Mark Dry both throwing more than 71 metres this year along with England pair Nick Miller and Alex Smith.

Bennett, who set a 72.58 metres personal best this year, said: “There are six over 71 (in the Commonwealth Games field) this year and four of them are Scotland and England. So it is a bit of an Auld Enemy battle at Hampden, like the yesteryears.

“The Commonwealth Games are nice because there are a lot of talented hammer throwers in Britain and it gives us more chance to compete against each other.

“Being from Glasgow, it is a little bit special competing in the home Commonwealth Games and it would be nice to stuff the English at Hampden once more again. Maybe the football can’t do it so we can do it this time, so it would be good.”