National
Success 2003
National Success for the first time with members entered under its name in the clubs history.
On a cold and wet Sunday on the 9th November 03 two players from Yamar Arashi Ryu (Formerly Clacton Judo Club) Leisure centre went to represent the Northern Home Counties Area at the British Cadet Nationals.
Twin sisters Kirsty and Hannah Adams 12 years old fought for the privilege of representing their club and area at the trials 2 weeks before the nationals. After fierce competition Kirsty was ranked number 1 in U50kg category in the area squad and Hannah was ranked number 2 in the U47kg.
The National event was held at Crystal Palace in London with players from England, Scotland and Wales. After a long wait Hannah put in a stunning performance and demonstrated immense skill against players with a lot more experience at such high level events. After two well fought fights she finished 7th in the UK. Kirsty put in a show of skill and determination against high calibre players although narrowly losing her first fight she won the second convincingly and finally after a long wait she went the full three minutes with her final opponent only to lose by a hold down she finished a well deserved 6th in the UK.
Dave Foskew and Ray Goodey all agreed that they where very pleased with the girls performance, it was the girls first time at the Nationals and they will be back again next year to challenge for a place in the top 3 ”
Also it was the third year that Ray Goodey had been asked to referee at this competition which gave the club a good presence at this National Event..