OULDER Hill Judo Club, run by Paralympic Judo gold medallist Simon Jackson MBE, returned from the North West Junior Mini age banded championships in St Helens last Sunday with silverware in tow.

From a five-strong squad making the short journey, five medals represented a fine result for the newly established judo club.

The day started with Samuel Lloyd performing for the first time in the under nines category.

He was extremely nervous as he was the first player to represent his club. Despite his nerves and a nasty injury picked up in his second fight, Sam won silver after throwing his last opponent for the highest point awarded in judo, an Ippon which means a 10-point score.

Second player to step onto the mat was Daniel Kelly, also performing for the first time in the under nines category. Despite only recently taking the sport up and facing opponents much bigger than himself, he performed extremely well and showed off his throwing techniques as he threw all his opponents for a 10-point score and convincingly brought gold home for his club.

Lucas Dean, a higher graded judo player, was next to perform in the under 11s category. Lucas went on the mat in a determined mood and showed no mercy in his first fight, holding his opponent down for a yuko, five point score. Lucas was in a very difficult group and met his match in his second fight but came away with a bronze medal.

Then it was the turn of the ‘big boys’ of the club, Joshua Haigh and Joshua Lloyd.

Joshua Haigh was in a tough section, 12-15 years category. A lot of his opponents had been competing for years and this was Josh’s first competition. Josh’s first fight was tough, he incurred a head injury and his confidence was knocked. Back on his feet, Josh came through fighting hard and won a bronze medal.

Last to fight was Joshua Lloyd, who also fought in the 12-15 category. Josh had only started Judo 12 months ago and his category was also very tough. His opponents seemed very experienced but Josh went onto the mat in full force. Going the distance in both his tough fights, Josh proved his skills, strength and techniques as he controlled most of the attacks made by his opponents. His great determination won him a bronze medal.

The day ended on a huge high as the club was awarded the Glenis Bamber Memorial Award for the most stylish and technical judo used in the under nine year old category.

The lads are now back training at Oulder Hill Community High School in Rochdale every Tuesday evening between 6.30-7.30pm to work on their moves.

If you want to find out any further information about the club, please contact Simon Jackson at simonjacksonmbe@hotmail.co.uk