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This year we entered a team of five club members to the BJC Junior Nationals in Hereford. It was the second appearance at the Nationals for Min, Vicky and Richard, but a nervous first time for Alex Edge. Alex Paske was the most experienced of the team, having competed at national level many times before.
It was obvious as soon as we arrived that the event was well attended, as there were no spaces left in the leisure centre car park. This was confirmed when some of us failed to find anywhere to sit inside the dojo, or even in the cafe, and had to spend most of the morning sat outside at a picnic bench, enjoying the sunshine.
Alex Paske was the first out on the mat in the Under 50kg group. He gave a great performance, winning so many fights that we lost count. He finally gained third place and was very pleased with his bronze medal, but also disappointed that he didn't finish second, as he had won his bout against the silver medal winner.
Vicky and Min were called out next for the Female Under 55kg contest. There were about a dozen girls entered in this category, and it soon became obvious which one of these would be the gold medal winner. Our girls fought hard to gain a position, but ended up having to fight against each other for the bronze medal position. They had a good battle, and Min was only a point away from victory before Vicky managed to beat her with a strangle hold. |
Richard was out next in the Over 60kg group. He had already found out that there would be 20 contestants in his category, and reckoned they would be out on the mat for over an hour! He won one of his fights with a good hold down, but competition was tough and he didn't win any medals this time.
Alex Edge had the longest wait as the Espoirs section came at the end of the contest. He has only recently gained his orange belt as a senior, but was undeterred when he found himself up against green and blue belts. He won one of his fights with a ko-uchi-gari and was disappointed that he didn't win any others, but we think he did well and should be proud of himself!
Well done everybody for entering.
Results
| Alex Paske |
Male Under 50kg |
 Bronze |
| Vicky Corbishley |
Female under 55Kg |
Bronze |
| Min Vincent |
Female under 55Kg |
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| Richard Daniels |
Male Over 60Kg |
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| Alex Edge |
Male Espoir Under 60kg |
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Deb Vincent, May 2004
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