TAW Vale Judo Club sent eight of its juniors to the first ever Peninsula Invitation Junior Judo Championships.
The competition, sponsored by Midas Homes, took place in Totnes Pavilions on Sunday under tournament director John Lucas, Taw Vale's coach, and was split into weight and judo grade categories.
The contingent included four first-time competitors. Deanna Mansfield, only weeks past her eighth birthday, the lowest age permitted for competition, was determined to enjoy herself and did so with such good effect that she took the silver medal for her group, the girls' under 32 kilos group A, up to yellow belt.
Ryan James was in the boys' under 42 kilos group A and demonstrated some good judo as well as gaining valuable experience in winning the top bronze.
Matthew Way, having to fight out of his grade in the boys' under 55 kilos group B, up to green belt, was unfortunate and disappointed to have to withdraw on medical advice from the St John first aid after suffering a cut ear.
His sister, Jennifer, fighting in group C, up to brown belt, came up against experienced opposition in the top weight girls' category, but secured the silver medal.
By comparison the 'seasoned campaigners' were also doing well. Richard Plumpton won the gold in the boys' under 38 kilos group B despite suffering a bruised shoulder.
John Grayling, fighting in group B despite his yellow belt, won the silver in the boys' under 50 kilos with some impressive judo and three ippon wins in a total contest time of just over a minute.
Lawrence Waldron turned in a competent performance in taking the bronze in the boys' under 34 kilos group A, and Jack Clutterbuck, in the under 38 kilos group A, won the silver after losing one fight in his first round pool!
Competitors and supporters had a first rate day's judo, and the Taw Vale players left a lasting impression of their sportsmanship, cheerfulness and friendliness.
Taw Vale Judo Club meets every Wednesday — in and out of school term — at North Tawton Rugby Club. Primary age children 6.30pm to 7.30pm approximately, and secondary age children and seniors (over 16) 7.30pm to 8.30pm approximately. New members welcome — phone (01837) 82171 for further information.