Brilliant effort as judo stars take to the mat

KIN Ryu Judo Club are celebrating following a successful fortnight of competitions for the clubs junior fighters.

The first medals were won at the Hampshire split grade open held at the newly re-furbished Mountbatten centre in Portsmouth.

The event was open to all juniors between the ages of eight and 16 and attracts players from around the south and as far away as the Midlands.

Starting the day off was 10 year old Jane Neave in the U28kg girls section.

Neave got the day off to a flying start winning her group with some great skill to take the first gold of the day.

Following her was her brother, Peter Neave, aged 12, in the U42kg boys and 10-year-old Andrew Robertson in the U30kg boys.

Both boys fought hard through the early rounds and dominated their opponents but in the semi-finals both had tough fights and were beaten and had to settle for well deserved bronze medals.

Last weekend the fighters were once again in action, this time closer to home as the Southern area orange belt and under competition was held at the clubs base at K2 leisure centre in Crawley.

Jane and Andrew were once again in action and were joined by seven other young fighters from the club.

All fighters did well and the club came away with gold for Jack Thompson who also beat the boys in the next two weight categories up. Silver for Joseph O' Doherty and Corlia Robertson and bronzes for David O'Doherty, Lauren Graves, Jane Neave and Kirstyn Chase, Matthew Graves and Andrew Robertson fought well but were unlucky not to medal on this occasion.

Kin Ryu Judo Club train at K2, Crawley Juniors Mon 5-6pm (Under 8's), 6-7.30pm (8-16 year olds) and Wednesday 7-8.30pm (U16s), Seniors Wed 8.30-9.30pm (Over 16s ) all new beginners welcome.

For more information call Lisa Harrison on 01293 402683, www.kinryu.org.uk or come visit us at K2.