Although Dean Thompson, Ted Rives, Aaron Young, Quindale Faulkner and Darren Thomas would win their matches Tuesday, Clinton’s wrestling team would fall to Swansboro Tuesday 42-37.

Taking the mat for the 11th time this season, Thompson, weighing in at 285 pounds, would face off with Swansboro’s Anthony Cooper, and after two periods of battle, the Dark Horse would get the pin in 3 minutes 4 seconds.

Following Thompson was Clinton’s 103-pound wrestler Zach Railey, who would be pinned by foe Tyler Henson in a minute flat.

Wrestling veteran Rives would hit the mat with his traditional spark, taking down and pinning his opponent, Tyler O’Neill, in 1 minute 29 seconds.

Clinton’s next three weight classes, with Richard Uribe (119), Kaleb Sargent (125) and Carlos Polonco (130) would all be pinned by their rivals in 1 minute 10 seconds; 1 minute 45 seconds; and 1 minute 2 seconds, respectively.

Hitting the mat at 135 pounds, the Horses’ Young would meet his match against Swansboro’s Corey Hall; however, Young would rally in the second period for the pin. Young’s time was 3 minutes 42 seconds.

With the match swaying in either team’s favor, both Clinton’s Faulkner and Thomas would contribute to a boost for the Horses.

Faulkner would pin his rival, Eric Compton in 1 minute 23 seconds, while Thomas would win 15-3 after three periods of action.

Swansboro’s next four wrestlers would rally, taking victories over Clinton’s Michael Graham (152); A.J. Negron (160); Chris Peterson (171); and Chris Gutierrez (189).

Dark Horse Greg Daughtry would be awarded a forfeit after Swansboro presented no wrestler for the 215-pound weight class.

Currently Clinton’s team is 7-6 on the season and will compete in the Veterans Cup Duals, Saturday, Jan. 16, at 9 a.m.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at (910) 592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@myclintonnc.com