Update from Southend, Flanders and Wales
29/30 October was a busy weekend for the club. We had players in 3 different
countries!!
The younger developing players went to Southend and the more experienced elite
players were in Flanders and Wales.
In Southend we had 3 Gold medals Scarlett English in the u57 category, Jasmine
Stringer following her National medal with a gold in the u28 kilos and Leonardo
Bertocchi winning gold at u42 - a great result from a developing player. A well
deserved silver was won by Olivis Skerritt in the u44 in her first competition
outside of the club.
Enrico Atkinson went to Flanders and won five fights to take the gold in the
u66 category this followed his national gold 4 weeks ago.
Saturday in Wales saw Dominic Morton win a hard fought bronze with a spectacular
ippon in his final fight. Also competing in C band was Tommy Chambers who
fought very well despite a very tough draw and was unlucky to only finish third.
In the D band James Sparks fought strongly all day and was very unlucky to only
finish fifth - narrowly losing the bronze fight to a strong opponent. His
strangle was definitely technical move of the day.
Ben Urban, who was unwell, had a difficult group in the u73 and lost to the
eventual gold medallist in his second fight before moving into the repercharge.
Sunday in Wales was the
turn of the seniors. It was a strong competition with many players from all
over the country looking for points from the final event of the year. Kerry was
so unlucky to lose her second fight and despite an injury bravely fought on to
win bronze - she was definitely one of the strongest in the group. Mia is still
new at u52 kilos and did very well to win bronze in a weight group of
international standard players. The third female to compete was Mima in the u63
again there were highly ranked players in her group. But despite being sworn at
by a disgruntled opponent she went on to win gold and is now ranked 2 as a
senior.
James M and James D took on the u60 and both won some tough fights. James M was
unlucky to meet the gold medallist first fight, but fought well in the
repercharge. James D started with two good wins and was very unlucky not to win
a medal, he is very close to the top 8 in the rankings. Aaron and Andrew
competed in the u66 seniors and both had some really impressive wins - notably
Aaron's ippon throw in the repercharge. It was unfortunate that the two met in
the bronze fight as both deserved the medal. This time the match went to Andrew
reversing the outcome from their last meeting in Scotland, but there was little
in it.
A very busy and successful weekend for the club 10 medals and several other
placings.
Next stops Cape Town, Malaga and the Bev Price teams.