Under 15's Category:

Three girls were in action fighting hard to justify gaining places on the England Squad. First on the mat was Mary Tomblin competing for the first time in this National event in the U44KG category. Despite fighting hard she narrowly lost two contests, but gained good experience. Next up was Holly Woolman-Lane and Bryony Cutforth competing in the very competitive U57KG category. Both girls fought hard to win through to the bronze medals fight offs with Bryony gaining a bronze medal and Holly having to settle for 5^th place this time round.

Ryan Doyle competed in the U50KG category for the first time, in a large group of 24 boys which included several current England Squad members. Ryan lost his first contest but recovered well to win his next with a well-timed foot sweep against a squad player. A loss in the next contest meant he was unable to progress to the bronze medal knockout.

Under 18's Category:

James Reseigh competed successfully for the first time in this category in the U42KG group by progressing from his pool to the medal knockouts and taking a hard-earned bronze medal. Igor Levitin competed in the U73KG but failed to progress to the medal knockouts having lost his second contest to a strangle. Daniel Bennett fought in the tough U81KG group and fought his way through to the final with an impressive display of judo tactics and techniques – Daniel dominated the final contest in front of a large number of spectators and convincingly won the title of National Champion by throwing his opponent for a full score.

Sofia Palmer and Alex Cutforth fought in the large U63KG girls category. Alex had a tough draw against seeded players and failed to progress to the medal knockouts despite working hard and showing progress. Sofia started the day well by winning with convincing throws and progressed to the last 10 girls in the medal knockouts but had to settle for 9^th place this time round.

Vale Judo is now the biggest judo club located in the East Midlands and has its main dojo at Oakham Enterprise Park near Oakham and several satellite clubs located in surrounding towns. The club has over 220 members comprising juniors and seniors, girls and boys and has been granted the Sport England club mark award.

More information on the club can be found at www.valejudoschools.co.uk.