EMMA Reid led the way in a successful weekend for Melbourn Judo Club as they competed in three events over the weekend. The 11-year-old was competing in the National Championships at Birmingham, and she demonstrated fantastic holding skills in her round r

EMMA Reid led the way in a successful weekend for Melbourn Judo Club as they competed in three events over the weekend.

The 11-year-old was competing in the National Championships at Birmingham, and she demonstrated fantastic holding skills in her round robin preliminary pool.

However the three players all ended with equal wins and points, so the group had to be re-fought. This time however there was a decisive outcome with Emma earning a place in the finals against another Eastern Area girl from Kumo club in Norfolk.

Going into the final Emma clearly showed the toil of the additional contests she had fought to get to the final, but was still clearly outfought by her opponent from Kumo and stepped on to the rostrum in the silver medal position.

Fresh from her success the previous weekend, where she won silver at the Clacton International, Megan Sorensen entered the Northern Home Counties open event.

As the lowest graded player in the category, medal hopes were slim, and losing her first contest seemed to say that the grades would have it.

However Megan would prove different, with three successive wins against a blue belt and two brown belts, gave the green belt an astonishing championship gold.

On Sunday two juniors and four seniors from the club travelled to Thetford for the Eastern Area Gradings.

Kristofer Francombe had two fine wins to earn deserved promotion from 6th to 8th Mon (Orange 2).

David Unger had three excellent wins in his group and was rewarded accordingly, rising from 7th to 10th Mon (Green Belt).

Following the success of the junior members it was the senior quartet who continued on the winning form.

Geoff Hyland fought very well and was graded to 8th kyu (lower orange). Gerhard Oberholzer, taking part in his first grading outside of club had an excellent win, throwing his opponent with a shoulder throw to earn his promotion to 7th Kyu (upper orange).

Jez Thurlby had one win and one loss and was promoted 1 level to 5th Kyu (upper green), and Chris Hyland had two dynamic wins to rise 2 grades to 5th kyu (upper green).

In two weeks time, members will be attending the World Class Start training session at Thetford, and the following week many will be competing at the Littleport Tournament.

Derek Coult, the club's chief instructor was delighted with the results: "The club is on a real high, with inclusion and performances at some of the highest levels in our 26 year history.

"The last year has been a breath of fresh air for the club and everyone has shown a determined commitment to get us these results.

"We are now rated in the top three clubs in the eastern area, have a county champion and a national silver medalist.