Hancocks avenges Welsh Open final defeat (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Hancocks avenges Welsh Open final defeat

11:00am Thursday 4th October 2012 in Local

SAMURAI’S Darcie Hancocks once again proved her pedigree by storming to gold at the British Junior National Championships.

The 10-year-old was competing in the under-32kgs group in St Helens and lived up to her billing as pre-tournament favourite with a series of wins.

Hancocks’ quarter-final match went the distance but the Kidderminster star was well clear when the final bell went, while the semi-final posed an even greater test but she came through with flying colours.

The final was a re-match of the recent Welsh Open final which Hancocks came out of second best.

But there was no mistake this time around as the contest was only seconds old when Hancocks switched to a backwards throw, a beautiful little leg sweep with a delightful economy of movement and power but which launched the other girl into the air and onto her back for maximum points and the gold medal.

Coach Andrew Haffner said: “This wasn’t just about the gold medal.

“Darcie scored 10 times without conceding and showed an excellent range of throws as well as groundwork.

“She has a very good tactical awareness of when to use which throw and which grip.”

Samurai’s Leah Grosvenor was also in action, picking up a silver medal.

Grosvenor had also enjoyed serene progress to the final but was caught by a good counter throw which cost her the title.

Matthew Hemer finished fifth in his competition. He booked his place in the semi-finals thanks to an opportunist throw to win his qualifying match.

But he injuring his ribs while suffering defeat in his semi and this in turn scuppered his chances of victory in the bronze.