Kent International 22/06/08

Good performances from our clubs 3 players, Tom Williams and Jon Jackson entered in the youth section while Frankie Goulding fighting in the senior section.
All 3 were looking good and they were coping under pressure from their opponents..

Jon had some good strong fights in the early rounds winning his way to the semi finals. Jon has been working hard on his ashi waza's and he really put it to good use. Also his transition work was sharp scoring a wazari knockdown and quickly controlling his opponent and held him for a further 20 seconds to win his fight. After strong performances won his place in the final only to loose out in golden score to the young Dutch player but really made a great account of himself.

Tom also looked sharp winning his first fight in about 20 seconds, a very strong and fast Ouchi Gari for ippon. Winning his way to the semi's Tom had an old rival, they are both evenly match and previous bouts have always been entertaining and eventful and this was no different.
In my opinion and several others Tom was denied a score as the corner judges deemed the throw outside the area but as our video footage confirmed it started well within the area.
This Knocked Tom down to fight for Bronze, this was against a very strong Dutch boy.
Tom had previously been beaten for ten by this lad in Sweden so we knew it would be hard.
Again it was very evenly matched and each lad gave all, full time was up and golden score went the distance to.. Tom got the decision 2 to 1 for bronze..

Frankie was looking in good form to, he was fighting in the senior event. A couple of good ippons took Frankie to the Semi finals at this point as far as I was concerned to get 3 of our players all through to the semi finals is a good achievement and showed me they are developing well.
Confusion struck as a small score was given against Frankie but penalties were given against both players, Frankie was leading but unfortunately got caught with just a couple of seconds left on the clock. This should give Frankie a massive boost as his opponent is number one in the country in under 20's.
Frankie gained a 5th place and was very unlucky not to medal but lessons were learned by all..

Well done everyone, a good day!!

Bill...