Burnley Judo Club recently held its annual 'Burnley Open' Junior Judo competition. This nationally acclaimed and highly prestigious event was again a huge success for the local club. Unfortunately, due to there being no available venue in the area large enough to host this years competition, the event had to be staged in Sutton, St. Helens. However, it is envisaged that with the prospect of the new sporting facilities that are to be erected in the Town, the event will once again return to Burnley. Due to its popularity, the competition entry had to be limited to 460 players, with over a further 50 failing to gain entry. As is the usual case with this event, the 'Burnley Open' was once again littered with junior international judo players, along with representation from abroad.

A total of five local players were selected to partake in the event, each one producing some very good judo, despite all finishing outside of the medal places. Connah Stockdale was first up for the club. Despite losing his first fight, the youngster bounced back to win his next three before losing his fifth fight for the Bronze medal position. James Tillotson was also unlucky on the day, despite fighting very well, to go out in the knockout stages. Keith Bryers started very well in his group with an excellent win in his first fight, before giving away too much experience in his subsequent contests, to also go out of the competition. Liam Demaine, another bright prospect in the sport, found himself in a very tough group, and despite acquitting himself very well, went out of the competition. Chris Cummings (Jnr) was another who came up against Cadet (G.B. International) opposition, and despite fighting well on the day, was also eliminated from the event.

Burnley Judo Club are this year celebrating their 50th Anniversary in the Town, and this years Burnley Open is being considered as one of their most successful yet. An abundance of positive feedback has being received from many of the clubs across Britain and abroad, with regard to the organisation and high standard of judo that comes with the event. A raffle was held on the day that raised in excess of £213, that Burnley Judo Club are to donate to Alder Hey Children.s Hospital, to help with the magnificent work undertaken there. The Burnley Club would like to thank all the players, coaches and staff involved, that have helped to keep this event as one of the top competitions of its kind in Great Britain.

C. Cummings. May 2004