Mixed fortunes for the Moberly Stars that took part in last weekend’s GB National Pre-Cadet and Cadet Championships in Sheffield.

Star of the weekend was Anna Townshend, competing in her first National Championships at u44k Pre Cadet. Anna, justified her selection winning an amazing gold medal in dramatic fashion to become Moberly’s latest National Champion.

Lucy was however a victim of dubious referring decisions that saw her lose in the semi final of the u63 Cadet, after looking like the National title was hers for the taking. Lucy then made very short work of the bronze medal final to claim her 8th National medal.

There was also a dramatic end for Max in the u46k cadet category. Max won through to the semi final but after an epic battle with his rival from the Midlands, he lost on a penalty score. The bronze medal final was another momentous encounter but once again Max came up short and 5th place was his result.

Dinari was also on the end of a dramatic finish in the u34k Pre Cadet. After suffering a loss in the quarter final, Dinari was seconds away from a victory to compete in the bronze medal final, but was defeated by his rival from the Northern Home Counties, and ended the day in 7th place.

Daniel achieved 9th in u42k Pre-Cadet, while Cadets Reuel (u55k) and Tyrese (u66k) made it to the round of 16  in two of the day’s largest categories. Pre-Cadets, Alex (u42) and David (u46k) and Cadets, Micheal Osher (u55k) and Michael Mensah (u66k) fought very well and all will have learnt from their first National Championships.

Onwards and Upwards

21 Moberly stars made the trip to Harlow to compete in Harlow Judo Club’s Green Belt and under championships (under 16 years) on Saturday. The event split into 4 groups saw the Moberly stars return with 7 gold’s 4 silvers and 5 bronzes.

In group one, Myeisha, Nasima and Ella Remy were in great form and produced excellent gold medal winning performances. Maddie was a little unlucky in a loss to Ella, but took a spirited bronze medal. Guest competitor, Lauren McPartlin also enjoyed the occasion taking a bronze in her section.

 

The group two yellow to green belt girls saw a gold medal victory for Anna (u48k), while Mariam (u57k) and Amel (u52k) had to settle for silvers.

 

 

 

In group three yellow belt and below, Oliver produced his best performance to date with a fantastic gold medal winning performance in the u30k while Sacha Rotman won his first medal for Moberly with a bronze in the u38k  .

 

 

 

In group 4, green belts and below, Dinari showed his improvement winning gold in the u34k, while Kamal earned a great bronze. Kyle and Liam were both a little unfortunate to miss out on the medals. Daniel had to battle hard for his bronze in the u42k, beating club mate Luan in the bronze final. Dawood produced yet another excellent uchi-mata but lost in his bronze medal final.

In the final group, the red belt boys (u12) D’mori won an excellent gold medal while Kadan Blair won a silver in his debut. Silver was also won by Luca and a great bronze for Doneil.

 

 

Onwards and upwards

Last weekend the Moberly stars hit a landmark achievement when they surpassed 200 National medals.

Sensei Winnie Graham achieved the honour of being the 200th National medal winner for Moberly with his victory in the Masters u60k M4 event. It was fitting that the 200th medal was won by the person who has been the biggest influence on Moberly’s style of judo for almost two decades. Winnie’s highly technical, relentless and transitional style of Judo inspired Sensei Basil’s own teaching method since the pair first met in the early 1980’s.

 

Winnie made relatively short work of his opponents to win yet another National medal in typical style. While Liston Wingate-Denys and Dominic Will also added to the haul as they picked up bronzes in the u90 M5 and u81 M3 respectively.

 

 

 

 

Not to be out done, Omar and Kamal were in scintillating form as they dominated the u30k category at the Minors nationals on Sunday. Both put in breath-taking performances as between them they won a total of 13 contests. The final was won by Omar to win his second national title following his victory last year.

 

Kyle was very unlucky in the u34k category. He was unfortunately the victim of some very dubious refereeing decisions that lacked common sense..

Onwards and upwards

Last Sunday Moberly Stars took part in the Southern Area Red belt rumble and the Senior Kyu and Dan grade open at K2 in Crawley. the two events run by the Southern Area, brought together Moberly’s youngest and oldest beginners in a unique occasion.

In the Red belt rumble, Luca displayed his now infamous fighting spirit with his third gold medal winning performance in the u30k. Maddie was also in fantastic form with three great wins to secure gold in the u40k. While Ciaron had to settle for a silver in the u60k.

 

In the Senior Kyu grade section, Petar, Sebastian, Jaheim and Rianna were all making their first appearance for the Moberly stars and all performed admirably.

Petar showed great composure and belief as he won gold in the u81k, defeating club mate Sebastian who claimed a bronze medal. Petar then produced a magnificent technique to defeat a Dan grade in one of 4 extra contests in the Dan grade section. Jaheim also produced victory against a Dan grade with a well executed submission after winning gold in the o100k. While Ciaron’s sister Rianna fought with great heart in the u70k claiming an excellent gold medal.

 

 

Upwards and onwards.

Moberly Stars would also like to wish John Jayne all the very best as he leaves the UK to begin his degree at the University of Chicago, US. John has been a member of Moberly Stars for over 12 years, and has amassed over 100 gold medals, including 10 National Championships. John won a bronze medal at the European Youth Olympics in 2013, and is currently ranked among the top 10 Junior judoka in the world at under 100k. John will be competing at the Junior World Championships in Saudi Arabia in October.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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