Four Counties Closed Successes

Requirements in a junior judo competition, such as the North West Area Closed Championships which were held at St. Helens, include that a contest winner takes his or her name to the table official to ensure that the correct player goes through to the next round. Jay Nicholson from Kendal Judo Club, at the end of his first contest against the eventual Gold Medallist, went to the table to tell them he had lost. When it was pointed out that only winners need give their names he replied 'I didn't know that, I've never lost before.' Fortunately he didn't lose any more contests and came back with a bronze medal.

Aaron Asplin's experience in high standard competitions told against him when he attempted a strangle on his opponent in the final of his category. Too late he realised they were banned at this event and the resultant penalty lost him the Gold medal although the Silver medal was a little bit of consolation.

It wasn't all bad luck for Kendal Club members with Jack Lashley powering his way through to Gold. Michael Hardy's superior skill showed when he took Gold and Patrick Everingham and Elliott Ross showed the dominance the Kendal club has at this level of competition when they also took Gold.

Annie-Jo Gregory was Kendal's other medallist with a fine silver.

Photo: Left to Right - Back Row Jack Lashley, Aaron Asplin, Michael Hardy.
Front Row - Elliott Ross, Jay Nicholson, Patrick Everingham Insert Annie Jo Gregory.