North West

Saturday:- Charlie Jackson -42kg, flashes of brilliance from Charlie after a disastrous start, after losing his first fight Charlie went on to look impressive in his next 2 bouts. Controlling and maintaining good posture Charlie showed some mature judo winning both fights in good style. His 4th was hard fought but Charlie lost out on dubious decision from the 3 flags of the referees.

DJ Irving -38kg was in fine form and looked totally in control using excellent ne-waza to win his first 2 fight in quick time. In a extremely hard category DJ worked his way to the final. This was to be against the National Champion, it turned out an exciting bout with opportunities from both sides to score but good defence from both kept the scores at bay until his opponent caught DJ for ippon. A very well earned silver for DJ

Duncan Ward -60kg could not find his form from the Midlands. Carrying injuries into a competition at this level is difficult but Duncan showed his fighting spirit by fighting hard and with determination. It is always good to reflect after each performance and I know Duncan has done this and is more positive for the future.

James O'shea -55 A band, continues to show his promise for the future by giving another strong performance. Its clear James has a good judo brain and learns from each mistake that is made which will strengthen his judo ability for the future, a well earned silver from James.

Sunday. Richard Jackson also was under par for this competition. A bug picked up seemed to have drained Richard of the endless energy he had at the Midlands, an important comp for Richard as it was selections towards the Cadet Europeans. A 7th place for Richard which I know he will be disappointed with but hopefully it will make him stronger.

Matt Kavanagh -73kg Seems to be settling into his new weight category very well. 2 competitions and 2 medals, a bronze medal to go with his Silver from the Midlands. Matthew still has a few KG's to spare and this will enhance his performance in the future. Again Matt has been reflecting and has targets for the Cadet European trials which should get him peaking for the event.

Kelly Staddon -52kg, Kelly took part in a new weight category for her and did not look out of place in this weight. Winning her way to the final with ease. The final came to an abrupt end when Kelly was strangled, a little in experienced showed when the defence to the strangle was omitted. A good performance from Kelly, bodes well for the future for her and gave her important ranking points for the forth coming trials. Silver for Kelly.

Tom Williams -81kg, Tom looked in unstoppable form, winning his weigh with great control and technique. Tom through his fulltime training at Camberley is maturing into a top class player. This is an important year for the 18 year old as he is looking at being the number 1 ranked player to be picked for the Junior World and Junior Championships to be held later this year. Gold for Tom

Chloe Jackson -52kg, a complement for Chloe as she is making all the other girls in the weight raise their game. Still on form showed her fitness and speed by providing a barrage of attacks on her opponents. The final see Chloe against her rival from almost every competition she has competed in, changing her tactics to allow consideration for the new leg grab rules, Chloe dominated to take the gold by all 3 flags after the fight went to decision.

Maddy Chapman -57kg, this was a learning curve for myself and Maddy, although I had coached Maddy on previous occasions over the last few years, never for Ford. A strong performance from Maddy which will stand her in good stead for the future, after another dubious decision from the referee's Maddy was penalised out in golden score in the semi finals. A strong performance gained Maddy the bronze medal.

10 competed 2 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze.... good result.....