FIVE young players, including two first- timers, from Wymondham Judo Club travelled to Epping over the weekend to compete in the Tsumokie Open Judo Competition - and all five returned successful, earning two gold, three silver and a bronze medal between them.

FIVE young players, including two first- timers, from Wymondham Judo Club travelled to Epping over the weekend to compete in the Tsumokie Open Judo Competition - and all five returned successful, earning two gold, three silver and a bronze medal between them.

The event attracted several hundred competitors and this resulted in some very large groups, but this didn't daunt Victoria Hipperson or Finlay Hughes who both took up the sport in January this year. Such was there confidence and skill that Victoria came away with a bronze medal whilst Finlay went one better and earned a great silver medal.

From the ranks of the more experienced Wymondham players Fenn Morris and Elsie Sturdy also won impressive silver medals, whilst William Booth and Amelia Sturdy both dominated their groups to take gold in their respective categories.

Also competing was Chris Abel, who is a regular visitor to the club and frequent guest coach, who earned a silver medal in a very tough senior black belt category.

Club coach, Chris Claydon, said: 'This was a very well-attended event and Victoria and Finlay were very brave to travel all that distance to take part in their first ever competition. As with all the players, they were a credit to themselves and the club -and I know that they enjoyed it, which is even more important.'