Darren set to appear at Games

Published 8 Jul 2010 14:00 0 Comments

DARREN Kelly and Paul Craig from Wemyss Bay Judo Club competed in the UK School Games trials in Kilmarnock last weekend.

The trials attracted judoka from all over Scotland and the standard of competition was extremely high.

There were no medals at stake but the first and second places in each category would be selected to represent their school at the Sainsbury's UK School Games to be held in the North of England from 2 to 5 September.

First up representing Gourock High School in the boys under-55kg category was Darren Kelly.

Darren stepped his judo up on the day, he fought extremely well and with admirable composure to win all his fights with full 10 point (Ippon) scores.

None of Darren's fights lasted longer than a minute, and by virtue of being champion, he will represent his school at the Games in September.

Darren said: "I am excited to have qualified to fight at such a large competition. It will be a really good experience."

Next was Paul Craig, representing Inverclyde Academy in the boys under-73kg category.

Paul was up against some full-time judo athletes and performed extremely well to throw his opponent for a seven-point score (wazari) but was unlucky to be caught in the closing seconds of the fight by an ippon throw. Paul finished fifth in his category.

Coach Suzi Kirkpatrick said: "I am extremely proud of both boys. They always give 100 per cent in training and are visiting other clubs to gain experience and practise with different judoka,

"Paul attended his first international competition in Holland earlier this year and performed well in his category.

"I'm sure Darren will look forward to the games and put a lot of effort into his preparation.

"The boy he beat to get the number one spot is currently number one in Britian so it really is some achievement to be selected for such a high level of competition.

"The overall experience of the games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There will be opening and closing ceremonies and the chance to socialise with competitors from all sports."

Wemyss Bay judo club trains on a Friday night in the Wemyss Bay Communtiy Hall from 6.30 to 8pm.

Anyone is welcome to come along. For more information, contact Suzi on 07931 670950.

Tweet

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 08 Jul 10

Post a comment

Your Comment:

Registered users log in here

Username or email

Password

You must be logged in to post. If you have not registered with us, please do so now.

Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users do not have to complete word verification once logged in and can also take part in competitions and other registered user only features of the site.

Word Verification:
Enter the text as shown.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @greenocktele