IN his first ever kickboxing competition, Royston’s Sam Watters defied the odds to secure a hugely impressive bronze medal.

The Cimac/Adidas Superleague Kickboxing Tournament, in Windsor was sanctioned by the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO), and featured competitors from across England and Wales, and a special guest team of 35 fighters from Spain.

In the men’s under-75kg category, Watters won his first bout by unanimous decision, using his movement and kicks to get in and box his opponent.

In his second bout, Watters was up against a much more experienced opponent. Despite controlling the centre of the ring for most of the fight, Watters’ opponent proved to be an effective counter-puncher, winning on points. Watters was immediately back in the ring for the third-place fight-off.

Taking confidence from his first two bouts, Watters dominated the fight, finishing in style with three well-executed roundhouse kicks to his opponent’s head, which brought cheers from the crowd, and he was deservedly awarded a bronze medal.

Asked how he felt about competing for the first time Watters said: “I just want to say thank you to my coach, Glen Stanway, and all my team mates for their help and support. I’m extremely happy to get a bronze medal and some valuable experience for the next tournament.”

GMax head coach Stanway, said: “Sam did especially well considering he has only been training for three or four months.”

Watters was one of five students from the Royston-based GMax Academy to take part in the tournament.

Also making his debut, 17-year-old Kris Pepper showed plenty of promise despite going down on points to a more experienced opponent.

Fighting in the men’s over-75kg division was Daniel Heginbottom, the third of GMax’s debutantes.

Heginbottom unfortunately missed out on progressing having been out-pointed.

Also fighting in the over-75kg division was 28-year-old Stuart Pinney, in only his second tournament.

Pinney dominated from the off in his first bout, winning by a unanimous decision but went out on points in the next round.

Last year’s British Silver Medallist, Damien Hunt, 24, featured in arguably the toughest category of the day, advanced men’s under-75kg. Hunt started brightly, but unfortunately received a powerful spinning back-kick to the ribs. After being examined by medical staff, it was decided it would be unsafe for him to continue with a later confirmed cracked rib.

GMax teaches Kung Fu and kickboxing classes in Royston, for children and adults. For further details, please visit www.gmax.me.uk or call Glen Stanway on 07563 755 199.