Lancashire League

Seven junior players took part in the last Lancashire League match of the current season, hosted by Beach Judo Club in Shadsworth, recently. As in recent rounds, this proved to be another good day for the Burnley club, helping to underline the steady improvement by the local Burnley youngsters.

Katie Henry got proceedings underway for the Burnley club with a good all round performance to pick up a well-deserved Silver medal, to finish off an excellent season on a personal level. Katie Slattery continues to improve with the experience of each competition, and received a superb Bronze medal for her efforts. Connah Stockdale, one of the clubs' most promising youngsters for a long time, enhanced his growing reputation by winning all of his fights on the way to a Gold medal. Crowd favourite James Mottershead yet again found himself at a height and weight disadvantage against his bigger opponents, yet still the plucky Burnley player managed to secure a Bronze medal. Lewis Bond is yet another player who quietly progresses in the sport. Lewis fought with skill and composure to merit the Silver medal position. Patrick Whittaker also picked up a Silver medal on the day, thanks in part to an excellent 'ippon' score in his first fight. Finally, Keith Bryers was another who was irrepressible on the day, winning all of his fights to take a superb Gold medal.

Chris and Stacey Cummings recently fought in the 'Junior National Championships', at Crystal Palace, London. The Burnley brother and sister pairing, representing the North West area, both had very good days at the competition. Though the Burnley players were not among the medallists, each one of them performed very well among Britain's elite players, showing they could hold their own with the very best, and receiving favourable accolades from various quarters regarding their performances. Chris and Stacey would like to thank Burnley judo club, and in particular senior coach Mark Walsh, for all their help and support in preparing for this premier event.

C. Cummings. November 2003