Judo success in selection rounds

The Woy Woy Judo Club has had success in the second selection round of three for the NSW state team, according to club secretary Lindy Simmons.

"Woy Woy Judo Club attended a tournament at Sydney Olympic Park vying for a first, second or third place to make the NSW state team," Ms Simmons said.

"The first round held on February 26 saw nine of the competitors bring home four gold, five silver and two bronze in their individual age and weight categories.

"Thirteen members dominated the second round of Junior State Selections on March 13 with outstanding results.

"Brandon Stokes, aged 9, under -30kg, competed in his first under-13 tournaments, having three bouts.

"Brandon won his first two cleanly to take the silver medal.

"Keiren Handley in the boys under-13 under-35kg won all four bouts for his gold medal.

"Bradley Handley 10, showed much improvement in this his second time in the boys under-13 under-40kg giving the higher grades some stiff competition in five bouts.

"Bradley unfortunately had to pull out in the last bout due to injury.

"Jordan Smith who won the bronze medal at the 2005 Nationals entered in two divisions under-50kg and under-55kg and won gold and silver.

"The girls proved they meant business when Shantelle Ward in the under-13s under-45kg took gold. then followed the under-16's,Courtney Wye under-48kg , gold, Kayla Wells under-57kg , silver. Rebbecca Steward, under-70kg silver then went on to get silver again in the over-70kg mixed division where she competed against Naomi Cole who won the gold.

"The girls backed up again to compete in the Junior Women with Kayla Wells in the under-57kg taking silver, Samantha Travers in the udner-63kg obtained a bronze, while Jacqui Steward in the same division was unplaced.

"Naomi Cole in under-78kg won gold and then in another mixed division Naomi won silver and Rebecca a bronze.

"Jacqui Steward went on to the Women's under-63kg and won bronze.

"The boys under-16 was no problem for Jordan Smith under-50kg and Shane Ward under-60kg who both won gold.

"Shane's first bout against the current NSW champion did not deter him, Shane proved to be too good and won by a hold down.

"Beau Murphy had four bouts but was unplaced."

Overall the medal tally was eight gold, six silver and four bronze.

This year the Australian Junior National Titles will be held in Perth on the June long weekend.

Woy Woy Judo Club is a non-profit organization that operates at the Peninsula Community Centre and has had state representation every year since 1983.

Last year in Tasmania, nine members made the NSW State Team.

Naomi Cole and Courtney Wye both won gold in the girls under-16.

Rebecca Steward won bronze in girls under-16 and Jordan Smith won bronze in the boys under-13.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the players in there quest to Perth can contact the club secretary, Lindy Simmons on 4342 4121.

Press release, March 25 Lindy Simmons, Woy Woy Judo Club