Four judo medals at nationals

Nine members of Woy Woy Judo Club have won four medals as part of the NSW State team at the Australian National Judo Championships in Canberra from July 6 to 8.

Club administrator Ms Lindy Simmons said the members should be congratulated on their efforts at the national event and four bronze tally result.

"The competition ran over three days of the long weekend with nine-year-old Warren Rooks and 10-year-old Kyla Handley first up on Saturday in the under-13 years division," Ms Simmons said.

"Warren's weight division of under-38 kg consisted of 11 players and Kyla's under-32 kg had eight with both being split into two pools.

"Both Warren and Kyla competed extremely well and made it through to play off for the bronze medals.

"Kyla won the Bronze and Warren was only defeated in the last seconds.

"Saturday afternoon in the under-16 years, brothers Bradley Handley (13) and Kieren Handley (14) competed in the same weight division of under 60kg.

"Both made it through to the bronze medal play off. Bradley lost by a point while Kieren went through to the final and won.

Jordan Smith [15] won the Bronze medal competing in the under 73 kg in a field of eight players.

"Sunday was the men and women's division.

"Kayla Wells (17) fought in the under 73 kg but was defeated in the bronze medal play off. "Daniel Simmons (23) in the under 81kg played against 28 competitors, the largest group in the history of the nationals, split into four pools.

"Daniel had a bye in his first match but was defeated in his second bout by a player from Western Australia.

"On Monday the junior men and women went into battle with Jordan Smith stepping up from the under-16's.

"Jordan won his first two bouts but lost his third so he waited for the repechage to play off for the bronze medal.

"Jordan and his opponent were on equal points in the bronze medal fight when Jordan was thrown and defeated.

"Nimble Collyer-Lafitte (17) had two fast moving bouts but was eliminated in the third round and Liam Bruckdorfer (17) played in the under 81 kg division and made through to the bronze medal final.

"Kayla Wells was defeated by a girl from the Northern Territory, then came back to win against the ACT opponent to collect the bronze."

Press release, 11 Jun 2009 Lindy Simmons, Woy Woy Judo Club