Walker’s a wonder in Glasgow (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Walker’s a wonder in Glasgow

3:00pm Thursday 12th November 2009

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TOM Walker lead the way for Samurai Judo Club at the Scottish Open by winning a silver medal in Glasgow.

The 18-year-old was in fine form in the early rounds and a series of spectacular maximum point throws took him into the final, where he faced the same player who had defeated him in the semi-finals of the British Junior National Championships.

Walker was in the mix for a gold medal but had to settle for silver after an attempt to grab his opponent’s leg resulted in him being thrown.

Meanwhile, club-mate Sarah Biles shook off the effects of a poor night’s sleep to power into the semi-finals in her weight category.

She was still good enough to edge her way into the semi-finals before losing to one of her main rivals by two minor penalties deep into time add on.

Despite the set back, she bounced back well to win the bronze.

Charis Hancocks was in a tough category for her age but bravely battled away and won contests against expectations to thoroughly deserve her bronze medal.

Older sister Millie was suffering from a chest complaint which left her short of breath. Even so, she fought her way into the bronze play-off which she was winning until a late score overturned her lead and meant she finished in fifth place, just outside the medals.

Meanwhile, a group of promising Samurai juniors have received grade promotions.

Brendan Crummy moved to top orange belt, with Tom Richardson moving to middle orange, while Ben Jordan graduated to middle yellow and Lauren McCredie to yellow.

Hannah Smith showed her promise by obtaining the top red belt, along with Alfie McPhie, Dublin Cooper, James Brogan and Callum Charles.

Four potential stars of the future, Hamish Beaumont, Jack Cahill, Michael Thompson and Alex Calder all obtained middle red belt.

The promising Jordan West, Alex Johnson, Jack Hinton, Jordan Rosewarne, Tom Harrison, Robin Powell and Brandon Lewis received their first grades.

Anyone interested in joining the club can call 07761 122977 or gto to www.samurai.org.uk

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