A total of eight junior players recently attended the Lancashire County Closed Championships, held at Shadsworth, Blackburn. As has been the case in recent years, the local club put on an excellent performance, to bring home a good number of medals. Andrew Moores fought very well on the day against very good opposition, to gain the Bronze medal in his weight group.Liam Demaine is another fast improving player in the sport, who also won a Bronze medal on the day.
James Tillotson, despite three wins out of four fights, was very unlucky to only come out of his group with a Bronze medal. However, the local player is improving with every competition. Keith Bryers fought exceptionally well against much more experienced opposition, and can count himself very unlucky to finish just out of the medal placings.
Ashleigh Williamson pulled out all the stops at this event, fighting as well as she ever has done, to gain a superb Silver medal.Natasha Gregory, despite lacking experience in this type of event, showed excellent maturity and skill to win an impressive and well-deserved Bronze medal. Star performers on the day for the local club were Damon Pegg and Sibtain Jabber. Both boys won all of their fights to win a Gold medal apiece. Damon continues to add to his impressive list of judo achievements, while Sibtain continues his excellent run of competition Gold medals in difficult events.

C. Cummings. May 2005