BJC Junior National Championships 2005

Hereford, 1 May 2005

This year we again entered a team of five club members to the BJC Junior Nationals in Hereford, but with a few changes to last year's group. Alex Paske and Min Vincent were entering for the last time at Junior level, as both will be 16 later this year. It was also the last chance for Alex Edge and Sam Vincent to compete in the Espoirs, as they will both be 18 before the next Junior Nationals. It was Robert Edge's first appearance at the Nationals. The event was very well attended, as usual, but this year we managed to arrive early enough to get seats inside the dojo so that we could watch all the contests.

The morning passed rather slowly until we had a sudden burst of activity with Alex Paske, Robert and Min all out on the mats at the same time in the Boys and Girls Under 55 kg respectively. It was great to see Alex win all his fights decisively and finish his time as a Junior with the Gold trophy we all knew he deserved. Robert was less fortunate, fighting well but eventually losing both his bouts. Min also fought well and we were delighted to see her win her first three fights. Her final battle for the Gold medal didn't go so well when an awkward fall left her with an injured knee and she was unable to continue. Her opponent won the Gold, but Min was very pleased to win Silver at this level.

Alex Edge and Sam were out next in the Espoirs group, in different weight categories, so the two families of supporters had to divide their attention between them both. Alex had weighed in at almost half a kilo above his expected weight, and so ended up at the lighter end of the Under 71 kg category. He wasn't expecting to do well against his bigger opponents, and had some tough battles, so it was a great achievement for him to win a Bronze medal. Sam also fought hard, losing his first fight to a good clean throw and then winning his next fight so quickly that we all blinked and missed it. The next two bouts were very closely fought and he was unlucky not to win either of them, just missing the Bronze medal position.

Congratulations to all players for entering at National level, and for displaying some excellent judo. They were a credit to the Club, and particularly to their Sensei, John Cole.

Deb Vincent, May 2005