Sunday 19th April 2009
Sussex County Judo Squad Selection

Each year the Sussex County Judo Squad selection is decided through competitive trials where a full range of weight classes for both senior and junior players are contested. The Gold medalists from this event are picked to represent the county at the Southern Area Inter-County Championships, to be held this year in Redhill on May 10th.

At the 2009 trials, East Grinstead players James and Elizabeth Draper both became County Champions, winning gold in the Mens under 60kg class and the Girls under 52kg class. Both players, representing Keisen Judo Club won all their bouts on the way to gold.

The club had two other medalists, Sophie Cummings, who went one better than last year to gain Silver in the Girls under 57kg and Matthew Rieley, who gained Bronze in the Boys under 55kg. Matthew's performance was remarkable because not only was he fighting more experienced players than himself, including a current British Champion, he was also the smallest and lightest in the group, having had to move up from a lighter category on the day.

Four other Keisen players also took part with varied success. Leon Verrells and Lyle Slocombe gained 5th places in the Boys under 34kg class. Teammate Max Oulton also fought at under 34kg but did not qualify for the final round. Louie Slocombe, also moving up a weight group to under 42kg also did not make the finals.

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