Last weekend was an exceptional one for the Pinewood Judo Club. On Saturday the veterans fought in the British Master’s Open championships in Kidderminster, then the under 13 year juniors fought their National event on Sunday. Also on Sunday seven of the lower grade juniors were fighting in Worthing at the South Coast mini mon event.
The Pinewood Veterans had a great day winning 4 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals. These Judoka, many now in their fifties, started at the club when they were small children.
In the younger section the first medal went to Martin Rance who won bronze at under 81 kgs then Martin Small won gold at under 100 kgs. Small also did a pool of seven for grading points, by the end of the day he had scored ten Ippon throws. Also in this section Dan Harvey won the gold medal in the over 100 kgs weight group.
In the older age band Paul Knight won a bronze medal at under 90 kgs, Mark Fricker took a silver medal at under 100 kgs then two gold medals came from Nigel Holloway and David Rance. The only Pinewood lady fighting was Kim Tilley who won silver at under 57 kgs to round off a superb performance by veteran Pinewood members.
On Sunday the under 13 years old junior boys and girls British National Championships were held at the same venue. Pinewood Judo Club’s coach Don Werner decided to enter six boys this year and they did well to bring home 2 gold and 1 bronze medal.
Following the holiday period is difficult because of missed training opportunities; however they seemed to cope well. Noah Jones did well because he is in the first year for the event, he won the bronze medal at under 27 kgs.
The next weight group, under 30 kgs had two Pinewood boys entered; Alfie Thomas unfortunately damaged his ankle and was forced to pull out. Wade Muttitt had no such trouble and he fought superbly to win the gold medal. It was a very strong group so he had some close fought contests but he handled it well, producing some excellent techniques and tactical fights. Olive Greatrex has been troubled by a knee injury this year that has restricted his training a great deal but he fought well and lost for bronze to finish in fifth place at under 38 Kgs.
Pinewood’s final fighter was Cameron Charles and he had an incredible day, he won the gold medal at under 55 kgs. Cameron always seemed in control of the fights and produced some spectacular throws and groundwork.
Also on Sunday the lower grade juniors in Worthing had an excellent day, seven of them produce 5 gold and 2 silver medals between them.
The gold medals went to K-C Franklin, Ruben Lord, Tobias Chapman, Tobias Trafford and Oliver Young. The two silver medals went to Phoebe Deacon and Daniel Franklin. It is said that Don Werner was mildly pleased with the weekend’s haul of medals in each of the groups. The nationals for Pre Cadets, Cadets and Youths will be held in December.