Four medals from N.West Junior Championships

The North West Under 20 Championships held at St. Helens has always been a large event as the National Team managers use it as a selection event for various international championships. This year was no exception with more than 600 competitors entered over the two days.
Day One got Kendal Judo Club off to a good start with two of the younger players gaining bronze medals. The fact that both won bronze would hopefully stop any arguments between brother and sister Matthew and Katherine Lenney on their way home. Katherine had a particularly fine hold down win against Victorija Georoisvilli for her bronze medal. Matthew was a little out experienced but nevertheless gave a good account of himself to gain his bronze.
Day Two and two more bronze medals. Jack Lashley was the first Kendal player to step on the rostrum. His first fight against Charles Grocock from Huddersfield ended very abruptly with an Ippon (full point) throw from Jack. He followed this up with another ippon win (judo's equivalent to a knockout in boxing) against Thomas Alberts from Shadsworth, near Blackburn. He then had the misfortune to come up against the No. 1 in the country at his age and weight. Sam Potts from Gosport had to work very hard for his win indeed at one stage it looked as if there might have been an upset. Jack has just moved up to this age band so as well as his bronze medal he gained a load of experience.
Nathan Hogg was Kendal's other bronze. He was fighting in the very strong Under 66 kilo category. His first opponent, Jack Falzon from Stratford, was not an easy match but with constant attacks and a medium score Nathan went forward to meet Robert Young from Maesteg who he strangled into a submission. Unfortunately Nathan then suffered the same fate as Jack Lashley having the number one seed as his next opponent. Nathan was the only player to take the Warrington fighter into Golden Score period and was within two seconds of having to rely on a referee's decision when he was caught with a strong knockdown for a half point score. In the fight for bronze by a quirk of fate he came up against his first round opponent again who had got through via the repechage. Nathan's fitness stood him in good stead and his constant attacks gave him a well-deserved victory and the medal.