SAMURAI took bronze at a strong team competition in Surrey featuring many of Britain’s top clubs.

The seven-player team event was unusual in judo in that girls could compete against the boys.

Normally girls compete separately and so this was a rare opportunity for Ellie McAteer and Darcie Hancocks to have a go at the boys.

Samurai certainly fielded a strong team. In addition to former British champion Hancocks and current British silver medalist McAteer, they had twice British champion James Hemer and his older brother, British Schools medalist Matt Hemer, and British silver medalist Jack Walker.

Filling the two extra places were guest players, James Ball from South Staffordshire Judo Club and James Reseigh from Rutland’s Vale Judo Club.

The team made a strong start against London-based Camberley, one of the country’s four full-time clubs, and were edged out 3-2.

They bounced back against Core and won 4-2 before seeing off Gateshead’s Bredakawi 5-2.

They then faced Berkshire’s Pinewood, who recently finished third in the national rankings ahead of Samurai.

Ball worked hard but lost, but James Hemer kept up his winning run, so that levelled the scores at 1-1.

McAteer was fighting really well but finding the boys tough, she dominated and nearly caught this boy several times but then got caught on the ground and lost.

Matt Hemer had looked in superb form all day but raised his game still further to edge the Wyre Forest outfit into a 3-2 lead.

Hancocks started out very strongly, having beaten a boy in her previous contest, but an error on the ground led to defeat and it was now all on the last match.

Unfortunately, although he was fighting well, Walker was comparatively young, giving two years away to his opponent, so Pinewood edged home 4-3.

It was, however, certainly the Berkshire club’s toughest match of the day – they easily triumphed in the final, securing a 5-2 win.

As well as winning bronze, Hancocks was named the best female player of the day and received an award.

Anyone who wants details about Samurai can call 07761 122977 or visit the website samurai.org.uk