Pinewood Judoka were representing their Area last weekend at the National Team Championships Wade Muttit, James Widman and Declan Whyte were all part of the Northern Home Counties boys team despite strong individual performances they did not progress beyond the pool stage of the competition.
Kiera Bateman Olivia Spellman and Crissie Webb were selected to compete in the NHC girls team and after some nail biting contests in the pool stage managed to secure a place in the final against the Southern Area.After a very close and exciting final the Northern Home Counties lost to the Southern Area by the narrowest of margins 5 wins to 4.This left the Pinewood girls with a silver each.
On Sunday the younger Pinewood fighters were competing in the Hampshire Open Green Belt and under championship in Portsmouth.
Bella Holeman was first to medal gaining a Bronze in the U32 group. Lottie Stickland was up next and a small mistake in her first contest left her fighting for a Silver. After her initial mistake Lottie recovered and did not put a foot wrong as she strung together a number of impressive wins to claim the silver at U28. Phoebe Deacon found herself in a powerful group at U40 and managed a Bronze. Terri Gough was on solid form again taking Gold at U44.
Noah Jones put a run of average form behind him with a solid performance taking Gold at U30 and Oliver Young showed his usual patient and stylish judo to take the Gold at U34.
Dan Franklin made it clear to everyone that his performance at the Kent Open was no fluke by adding another Gold at U38 with some great stand up stylish judo.
James Ferre and Kesley Gibson both competing at U46 after a few tough fights fought each other to decide the Silver and Bronze medals. James finally took the silver leaving Kesley with the bronze. Holly Eccles fought with great intelligence and claimed Gold at U48 with Caitlyn Clark tyaking silver at U57.
Last but certainly not least, in the senior mens section Chris Thorne fought exceptionally well losing only to the more experienced Gold medallist and gaining a Silver after a great exchange of attacking judo.
Coach Mark Fricker was pleased with the medal haul of 5 Golds 4 Silvers and 3 Bronzes but perhaps more importantly with the personal improvements that were evident in these performances.