TWO of Launceston Judo Club's junior competitors travelled to Kingsbridge in Devon for the Devon Judo Open Mini-Mon Tournament on Sunday.

Both Nathan Gathercole and Gareth Mason were competing in the under 34 kilo category at 5th-9th mon.

Apparently, travel did not agree with them, as both lost their first round contests. Gareth, however, recovered well to win through to fifth place in a large and talented group, with a fine ippon win from a hold as the high spot of his campaign.

Nathan decided to go even better, his performance improving throughout the day and culminating in a spectacular ippon throw to clinch the bronze medal in the group — much to the delight of the Launceston supporters present.

Launceston Judo Club meets every Monday at Launceston College from 7pm — new members (both male and female, ages from 7 up), always welcome.