After a number of years absence the Massmann sisters returned to the judo contest arena, and both came away with bronze medals for their efforts. In the dan grade (black belt) competition, Nikki Massmann-Brown shrugged off the years to provide torrid c

After a number of years' absence the Massmann sisters returned to the judo contest arena, and both came away with bronze medals for their efforts.

In the dan grade (black belt) competition, Nikki Massmann-Brown shrugged off the years to provide torrid competition to the five other entrants in the pool, making eventual gold medallist Mykaela Reilly from Northumberland go all the way before narrowly beating her.

Her three wins were outstanding quality judo, with her final a return to the devastating Morote Seoi Nage throw of old.

Referee Roland White - a 6th Dan - said: "She was the only girl in the category who actually knew how to throw for Ippon".

In the 1st Kyu (brown belt) category younger sister Clare Massmann made a huge impact in her start, with two solid Ippon wins for the maximum thrown 10 point wins with her trade mark technique the O Goshi hip throw, she met her match in her semi-final losing to an arm-lock to deny her a chance of the silver or gold.

It was thought likely that she would be invited back into the competition to give another entrant a chance of a further win, but the other girl politely refused the opportunity against her.

Oli Marler was another of the club seniors to attempt the Batsugan dan grade male 1st dan pool, but in awful draw some him come up against the much-fancied Neil Holmes from St Albans, and in losing his opening bout saw his chance of promotion disappear.

Not daunted, Marler managed two creditable wins in his following contests to underline his increasing contest abilities, and many were impressed with his technique and style.

Senior technical officer Simon Mazzullo said: "The JM club have proved in two separate weeks the strength they have in both junior and senior sections, and will be a force to reckon with in the future at national competitions."

The JM club now enjoy the benefit of eight senior instructors of which four are ladies, and two assistant female coaches to ensure adequate coverage and instruction to the Tuesday evening judo sessions.

With such an input, the club are likely to increase their present 65 members by a further 10 in the next beginners group starting after the Easter break, further details from John Massmann on 01763-241020.