North West Junior Open Championships 2010

20/21 February 2010

We had four entries for the Championships held at Sutton Leisure Centre.

James Buckley was the first to fight on Saturday morning, his second contest was much better than his first. He fought very well but went out in the repecharge.

The next to fight was Hannah Lindsay and Lydia Garaghty, late afternoon. Both girls were just in at the bottom of their weight category, thus making them the lightest in the category. Both girls fought well but both went out in the repecharge.

Nerves play a big part at this level of competition.

The last to fight was Rory Johnson on Sunday afternoon. In Rory's weight, there was a boy 40kg above his weight. Some concerns were raised regarding safety but, after discussions between the officials and all players concerned, all players agreed to compete.

Rory fought well gaining him the bronze medal.

With this competition being used as a ranking event for the British Squad etc., the standard of Judo was very high.
All four players handled the day well. This was not a competition for the faint hearted and they gave it their best, representing the club.
This was s big step up from local competitions; it shows them the standard of other players throughout the country.
This competition was a national event, they now know and have gained experience of attending high level Judo competitions.
I think that all the players that entered from our club should feel satisfied with their performance at this level of competition. They will have come away with something to help with their competitive skills of Judo.

Well done everyone, now we have to work hard so that next year we will have more medals.

R. Hardaker. February 2010