Seven play in judo nationals

Seven members of Woy Woy Judo Club competed as part of the NSW State Team at the Judo National Titles over the June Long weekend.

The titles were held at Castle Hill Sports Hall with a total of 450 competitors.

"The first day's play was the boys and girls under-16 years," club secretary Ms Lindy Simmons said.

"Three boys from Woy Woy competed, the first being Kieren Handley, a seasoned competitor attending his fourth National Titles, but his first time in the under-16 years division.

"There were 10 players in Kieren's division, split into two pools of five.

"Kieren defeated his first opponent Paul Uncle from South Australia, then Ben Sloane from Victoria who had a bye in the first round.

"Kieren then played against Samuel Langley of Tasmania whom he defeated with precision.

"The final victory for gold was against Alex Bellingham of Western Australia.

"Kieren has been undefeated at all levels."

Ms Simmons said first time Nationals entrant Matthew Cheesman and seasoned National competitor Jordan Smith were in the same weight division, under 73kg.

"Matthew played off for the bronze medal and was only beaten by time," Ms Simmons said.

"Matthew achieved a ranking of fifth place in Australia.

"Jordan on the other hand fought off three players to take his third gold medal at this level."

Ms Simmons said Sunday's play was for the Junior Men and Women.

"Kayla Wells, returning to competition after shoulder injury last year, was in the under 63kg division," Ms Simmons said.

"This division had 10 competitors in two pools of five.

"Kayla had a draw in the first round, then competed against Taylor Fishlock of the Northern Territory.

"Kayla threw her opponent for a perfect 10 points then continued into the play off for bronze against Sarah Collins of the Australian Capital Territory.

"It was during this bout that Kayla initiated Tomoenage (rolling on her back to throw her opponent over her head) but unfortunately the referee awarded a win to her opponent when Kayla went down on her back.

"This put Kayla in a ranking of fifth in Australia.

"Unperturbed, Kayla backed up and enter into the Women's division that afternoon.

"With 11 entrants, Kayla first competed against Danika Malone of Queensland.

"Kayla played hard and was only defeated by one point.

"This meant she had to wait to see how Danika went in her next bout to determine her continuing through.

"Unfortunately Danika lost her fight and that took both of them out of the finals."

Ms Simmons said Monday was the final day and the under-13 years "turn to shine".

"First off was Cameron Campbell in the under-30kg," Ms Simmons said.

"Cameron's division also had 10 competitors with his first round being a draw.

"Cameron then won his next two bouts and waited for the other pool to compete to see what medal he would play off for.

"It came down to the bronze medal with Cameron being ranked fifth in Australia when he was unable to escape a hold down in time.

"Caitlin Grosse in the under-34kg division had a bye first round then fought and defeated Mazzie Metcalf of New South Wales.

"This carried her through to play off for the bronze or silver medal against Chloe Raynor of Queensland. "Caitlin won the bronze.

"Bradley Handley in his first Nationals of the Boys under-13 under-50kg was excellent.

"He fought and won against Troy Fishlock of the Northern Territory then played against Lim Yokoyama of NSW for the gold or silver.

"Bradley won the silver.

"Kayla Wells backed up again on the Monday and entered the Women's Open Division.

"Kayla, who is 16 years old, fought against Mollie Dabner of Tasmania and initiated a perfect throw of Uchimata to win that bout.

"She then fought against Isabelle Kopecny of NSW and was defeated by a small margin.

"Kayla then fought off for the bronze medal against Catherine Arscott of Queensland but was only just defeated.

"With Woy Woy Judo Club being in their 25th year of National representation, the overall performance by these youths as competitors and sportspeople was outstanding.

"They trained hard and did their best and that was all that was asked of them.

"To reach this level is a great achievement, a medal is a bonus."

Ms Simmons said two members of the club took a special role at the event.

Eight year old Warren Rooks and Kyla Handley were the medal bearers at the presentations.

Press release, 2 Jul 2008 Lindy Simmons, Woy Woy Judo Club