It may have been half term, but Court Lane players have been putting the miles in on the competition circuit.

Hampshire Open

Chloe Lymer and Michael Churcher both competed in this well attended event.

Chloe added another bronze to her collection, scoring from her favourite throw tai-otoshi and also winning a contest in ne-waza; an area of judo that Chloe has been working hard to improve, so a great result all round.

Chloe’s medal was presented by 9th Dan Dave Starbrook MBE OLY, who won Britain’s first Olympic Judo medals in 1972 and 1976. Starbrook had delivered a masterclass and coaching workshop to Hampshire players the day before.

Mike was also in action, contesting the senior weight groups. Mike gave a good account of himself in a category dominated by 1st kyu and Dan grade players, but was unable to progress to the medal stages on this occasion.

Welsh Pre-Cadet and Cadet Open

As part of his build up to the National Championships, Mike competed in yesterday’s Welsh Open. This was as a bench marking exercise to identify the level of competition and areas where Mike needs to improve prior to entering the Nationals.