An exciting day of judo at the Hampshire Open saw Isla and Jonty make the transition from junior to adult judo.
Up first however was Jon Luijken, making his competition debut at -46kg. Whilst there was to be no medal on this occasion, he made a determined effort and showed great promise over his three fights.
Jonty, who recently competed in the regional schools qualifier, fought in a packed -71kg category. 17 players delivered some quality judo, with Jonty right in the thick of it. 3 wins from 5 contests – from throws, hold down and an opportunistic arm lock – saw him clinch a well deserved 5th place.
Isla was the lowest graded adult in the women’s -63kg category. Undaunted she delivered her usual all out attacking performance and was rewarded with a bronze medal.
Regular club visitors Michael Churcher and Harry Hopkins were also in action.
Harry competed in the same weight group as Jonty, delivering a lightning fast ippon win in his first fight. He wasn’t able to repeat on this in his next two fights, but still delivered a credible performance.
Michael Churcher had the misfortune to fight his Osaka nemesis Harrison Grist in his first fight. Despite having just competed in a 14 minute golden score contest, Grist still had enough left to secure revenge over Mike for his victory in the Hampshire Closed. Ultimately Mike secured a bronze medal in the junior -66kg.
A great day for the club, with junior players making a strong impact in the adult categories.
Two players represented the Club at today’s Hampshire Closed, in Aldershot.
Isla Savellis-Fry made a golden start to the Club’s 25th year with a gold medal at Sunday’s South Coast Split Grade Green Belt & Under competition.
Kaiden Southey was the only member of the Club to compete at the recent Northern Home Counties Red & Yellow Belt Rumble, held at the High Wycombe Judo Centre.
