Five golds in strong Samurai showing at championships

This competition always attracts a strong entry from all over the country, but the Samurai girls looked totally dominant.

Leah Grosvenor was in whirlwind mode, sending her opponents flying in all directions.

Players from Truro and Pinewood were dispatched with ease in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, and in the final her opponent from Surrey lasted only 30 seconds before Grosvenor, already a high score up, launched her into the air for maximum points and the gold medal.

Sian Bobrowska powered to the semi-final before tasting defeat.

But she bounced back to win a bronze.

Bryony Griffiths won gold in her weight category, after defeating a tough opponent in the final.

Two weight groups above Griffiths, the Samurai fielded no less than four players, with Becky Hobby, Hetty Tinsdale, Sophie Pollitt and Olivia Turner all taking part – and would have had five players had Ellie Arnull not been away.

Hobby got the better of Sophie Pollitt and Tinsdale on the way to taking gold.

There was a final appearance for Paige Wilkes in the heaviest weight section, while Charlotte Read had to withdraw after to a blow to the head.

James Hemer started really well in the lightest boys weight group with four wins in a row but had to settle for silver after losing in the final.

Jack Walker was in confident mood after the silver medal he won at the British Young Championships and he secured another medal of the same colour in Gloucestershire.

There was also a silver for Nathan Gallacher, who was edged out in a tight, scrappy contest by a rival from Teeside.

Matt Hemer was Samurai’s final competitor in the event and reached the semi-finals after two string wins.

However, he suffered a setback but responded well to seal a bronze medal.

Anyone who wants to find out more about starting judo or information on the Samurai can call Andrew Haffner on 07761 122977 or visit the website samurai.org.uk