Success at Maitland

Woy Woy Judo Club had success recently at the NSW Country Championships held at the Maitland PCYC on the weekend of October 28 and 29.

Club secretary Ms Lindy Simmons said Saturday's competition was for JFA Registered members whose club was located outside the Sydney Metro Area.

It featured "a good turn out" by most NSW Clubs from as far north as Coffs Harbour to Ulladulla in the south.

"Woy Woy fielded three girls in the under-10 year's division," Ms Simmons said.

"Kyla Handley being the youngest at seven took on Amber Beehag from Southern Cross Judo Club in Wellington in the under-24kg division, Kyla winning with a hold down.

"Caitlin Grosse in her final tournament before turning 10 this month was unstoppable taking two gold medals in the under-31kg and over-40kg divisions.

"Caitlin then entered the under-13 division in the under-35kg and under-35kg special division to take another two gold.

"Summer Potvin held her own in the battle for the silver medal against Danielle Redding of Maitland PCYC.

"Cameron Campbell entered this, his second, tournament in the new age division of under-13.

"Cameron fought Lachlan Hunt from Bushido South Coast and won gold.

"Brandon Stokes meant business by defeating Tim Thompson from Bushido and Sam Sharpe from Kido Mingara.

"Brandon was awarded Throw of the Day.

"Lachlan Paine was unplaced but more experience should show good results.

"Jordan Smith gained the bronze in the boys under-16 under-60kg."

Ms Simmons said, in the under16s under-63kg, Kayla Wells was clearly in control and defeated players from Taylor's Arms and Lismore with a textbook Uchi-mata throw.

"Kayla was awarded Throw of the Day," Ms Simmons said.

"In the under-70kg division, Rebecca Steward defeated Emily Ling from Wellington PCYC to add another gold medal to her collection.

"Kayla went on to fight in the junior women's where she came up against Maitland and Lismore girls.

"The bouts were non-stop, with each player attained 10 points causing all matches to be played again.

"After the first bout, Kayla pulled out due to shoulder injury.

"The result awarded by points, so Kayla won bronze.

"Rebecca also entered the junior women's but due to not enough players they combined it into a women's event.

"Rebecca, aged 15, fought against 25 year olds and took the gold medal.

"Neil Dawson entered the men's under-90kg to take silver and his brother Mark in the under-100kg competed against Olympic Team members.

"A fine effort for their return to judo after 12 years.

"Lindsay White, green belt in the over-35years, fought an Oceania Rep sho dan and achieved bronze."

Ms Simmons said the second day of competition saw Kyla Handley step up again in the under-10's to take another gold medal.

Her brother Kieren, in a pool of eight, fought through to also take the gold in the under-13 under-40kg and silver in the under-16 under-45kg.

"Rebecca Steward also backing up for day two, cleaned up the under-16's and Women's division," Ms Simmons said.

Press release, November 20 Lindy Simmons, Woy Woy Judo Club