FIVE players from Harlow Judo Club competed at a high level Eastern Area Age Banded Championship at Thetford, Norfolk on Saturday.

With players attending from as far as Belgium, Holland and Guernsey, it was a very competitive event. As usual, the young squad battled hard. A referee’s decision cost young Owen Lambert (10) the Gold and came back with a Silver medal. Bronze medals were won by Fleur Salhi (10) and George Franks (9). Unfortunately Jake Salhi (11) and Thomas Lambert (15) were unplaced in their groups. Jake won his first fight but did not progress further after dropping into the repecharge. Thomas lost both his fights but had the hardest groups as he was up against experienced black belts 2 years older than him.

On Sunday, it was the turn of Senior player, Adam Pope, (20) who competed at the same venue but in the Junior and Senior Championships. Adam normally competes in the Special Needs competitions but is making the transition to main stream competitions – unfortunately despite fighting hard and up against tough opposition, he was unable to medal in this event.

Coach Mick Ellis said he was pleased with the squad’s overall performance. He said “It was a very tough event with my players facing both tough opponents and referees. They all fought well considering it was a high level event and am glad they listened to my instructions”.

The Club caters for those with special needs and has a Coach specifically for this area. Please contact the Club for more details. They are based in Foldcroft, Harlow, CM20 1SE. For training times, please visit www.harlowjudoclub.com or contact Gill Ellis on [email protected] or 07976 955905 for further information.