Hancocks takes gold at nationals (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Hancocks takes gold at nationals

8:00am Friday 22nd March 2013 in Local

DARCIE Hancocks led the way for Kidderminster’s Samurai Judo Club as she won gold at the British School Championships.

Despite moving up to the heavier under-36 kilogram weight section, the tiny powerhouse progressed smoothly with three maximum point wins to reach the final.

The 11-year-old from Wolverly Sebright Primary School never looked back after obtaining a strong score to seal victory.

Hancocks has won four golds from as many competitions and this is her second British title, having clinched first place at the nationals in autumn.

She has also taken gold in every event in her age band since November 2011, including success at the London International, West of England, Midlands and Welsh Opens.

Bewdley High School brothers, Rory and Arran Gulliver, both won silvers.

Rory enjoyed four good wins, just losing to a strong player in his final, while Arran also got to the final with three solid wins and looked to have every chance of winning, before his opponent saw him off with a maximum point throw.

Charlotte Read, who goes to Stourport High School, won bronze in her category, as did Nathan Gallacher from Baxter College. Matthew Hemer, Ellie Arnull and Andy Calloway all put in good efforts.

Meanwhile, another Samurai player, Laura Dangerfield, had a good go at the English Senior Open but was eliminated in the quarter-final by Devon’s Scarlet Woolcock.

Dishing out the lessons: Samurai students show off the medals they won at the British School Championships.
Back row (left to right): Arran Gulliver, Charlotte Read, Rory Gulliver. Front row: Leah Grosvenor, Nathan Gallacher, Darcie Hancocks.