Keisen Judo Club Review Night

Friday the 2nd of May saw over a hundred friends, families and even a couple of civic dignitaries gather at Chequer Mead Theatre to watch Keisen Judo Club holding its annual gala review night. Among the guests were the Mayor of East Grinstead, Councillor Ian Dixon and West Sussex County Councillor, Margaret Collins as well as a very good friend of the club, Mr. Malcolm Sanford. Jackie Cooper, Neighbourhood Youth Worker at the Wallis Centre, was also in attendance in her role as President of the club.

Following weeks of intense practice, the junior, youth and senior sections of the club gave virtuoso demonstrations of a wide variety of throws, hold-downs, arm locks and strangles. Each demonstration set was preceded by film clips of international judo players using the techniques in competition, and the audience was then shown how junior players learn and practice these techniques.

After the short intermission, the juniors split into 2 teams and took part in a mini competition with a number of the older junior members officiating as referees. The competition ended in a draw causing Tim Draper, club coach, to comment that the contest hadn't been fixed and the results were totally down to the skills of the players.

The evening was rounded off with a roll of honour highlighting players who had won medals at competitions during the year.

The following players were then presented with trophies:

• Junior Boy of the Year - Lee Frisby, runner up - Leon Verrells.
• Junior Girl of the Year - Zoe Boulderstone, runner up - Amber Boulderstone
• Senior of the Year - James Draper
• Keisen Shield - Toine Hodgkiss
• Presidents Cup - Sophie Cummings
• Players Player - Elizabeth Draper
• The Malcolm Sanford Award for Enthusiasm - Ben Fletcher, runner up - Oliver Wood
• Best newcomer - Lyle Slocombe, runners up - Daniel Reeves and Daniel Bunyan
• Sportsmanship Cup - Matthew Rieley, runner up - Molly Clark
• Spirit of Judo Cup - Max Oulton

In closing the evening, Tim thanked all the players, his assistants and helpers throughout the year and last but not least, the parents for their continued support.

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