It was a truly memorable weekend for the Moberly Stars at the Southend International. With no less than 8 gold medals, the team returned home with not only the cup for the best performing team for the 3rd time, but Kamal won the best player of the day award to!

The extremely popular event attracts competitors from several European countries. With a variety of categories for various levels it is a great opportunity for everyone to compete. In Group 1, the Moberly stars were rampant winning 4 gold medals from Luca in the u30k, Nasima in the u28k, Maddie in the u40k and Cairan in the +50k. D’mori won silver in the u50k while Myeisha ended with bronze in the u25k. The performance of these competitors was remarkable and set Moberly up nicely in the race for the top club. Competing in Group 2 under 30k, Kamal displayed a remarkable array of techniques to claim top spot for Moberly’s national medallist. Brother Kyle was equally impressive winning bronze in the u34k. Luan put aside his disappointment of not being able to compete in last week’s nationals, by defeating the current national champion to claim bronze in the u42k. Both Liam and Oliver Almond were extremely unfortunate to just miss out on medals.

Group 3 saw Dinari battle through to the u34k final were he was defeated by his Dutch opponent. Alex also claimed a bronze after a semi final defeat in the u38k. Oliver (General) Lee just missed out in the u34k. In Group 4 Reuel and Max were feeling the benefits of a summer’s training. Max was typically professional, making short work of his opponents to take Gold in the u46k. While Reuel fought with greater purpose to win gold in the u55k. David fought hard but also gained further experience. Mohud produced an exceptional performance to win bronze in Group 5 u55k. After 4 hard fought contests he rightly took his place among the 3 brown belts on the rostrum. It was an extremely tough event for Ben and Tyrese in the u60k and u73k respectively. Both would also gain further valuable experience. In group 6, Riannon won a silver in the u70k in just her second event. Moberly’s veteran Richard Kaslo competing in Group 11, won the u90k category with 3 victories following an earlier defeat. A fantastic weekend for the Moberly Stars. Onwards and Upwards

Well done to the 16 Moberly Stars that took part in Micklefield Judo Club’s Green Belt and under championships. Another excellent event from our friends at Micklefield, saw the Moberly stars pick up 2 Golds, 4 Silvers and 3 bronzes.

Split into two events, Novice to yellow belts and Orange and green belts, Moberly had 3 boys in the u30k novice to yellow. An excellent display by all resulted in gold for Liam, and bronzes for little brother Luca, and Oliver Almond.

In the orange and green belts, Gold was won by Dinari beating Kamal in the final of the u34k. Both boys thrilled the crowd with their fantastic throwing techniques. Luan was also in scintillating form in the u42k but after winning his semi final, he had to withdraw through injury and picked up the silver. Silvers were also won by Anna and Mariam after some truly hard fought contests in the u44k and u57k respectively. The final bronze was won by David in the u46k category.

Kyle, Oliver Lee, Daniel, Alex, Alan, and Marlon all competed admirably but were unlucky to miss out on medals on this occasion.

Onwards and upwards

Lucy fought in Bradford a week ago, at the Northern Area ranking competition held at the Richard Dunn Sports centre. Lucy is currently ranked third in the u63k cadet and her performance fully justified her ranking. Lucy put in a strong display, showing her ever improving range of techniques as she cruised to yet another gold medal.

On Saturday, Lucy was back up north competing on the Great North Open in Gateshead. A little unfortunate this time to succumb to a semi final defeat on a penalty, Lucy was able to secure a bronze medal with an excellent rolling strangle.

Well done Lucy