THE younger fighters from Samurai continued to impress by grabbing a haul of medals at the under-18s Open Championships.

The club won 13 medals, a haul which included three golds and four silvers.

Ryan Pitcock was one of the club's star performers at the tournament in the boys' heavyweight section. Despite being nearly 20 kilograms lighter than many of his opponents, who weighted around 90kg, he more than compensated for his lack on bulk with his skill and ability.

He swept impressively into the final after three wins to take on clubmate David Hadley, who had defeated two blackbelts on his way, but Pitcock sealed a gold medal.

Frankie Marston started the ball rolling in a very strong girls' lightweights category where a series of good wins secured bronze.

Charis Hancocks' excellent groundwork skills ensured she powered to success in the under-48kg section.

Hancocks then stepped up to the 52kg category and made it all the way to the final where she secured a silver medal.

The under-57kg section was dominated by the Samurai as Sally Moon, Rachel Moon and Amy Evans defeated all-comers decisively and ended in a three-way tie between themselves for the gold. Sally Moon edged out Evans in the final to win gold, while Rachel Moon won bronze.

Millie Hancocks and Jessica Sullivan shared the bronzes in the under-63kg group. Hancocks then stepped up to the next weight section and went onto win bronze.

In the boys lightweights, Jack Nelson and Tom Dobbins took on a some tough opponents and fifth and ninth respectively.

In the boys' light-heavyweight section Craig Seldon won bronze in the under-60kg weight category, while Ian Malhotra won silver in the under-66kg section.

For details about starting judo or information about the club and its activities, you can telephone 0776 1122977 or visit the website on www.samurai.org.uk Medal summary - gold: Ryan Pitcock; Charis Hancocks; Sally Moon.

Silver: Ian Malhotra; Amy Evans; David Hadley; Charis Hancocks.

Bronze: Millie Hancocks; Millie Hancocks; Craig Seldon; Jessica Sullivan; Frankie Marston; Rachel Moon.