A VERY early start to the day and two closed motorways on the journey did nothing to hamper the enthusiasm of eight players from Wymondham Judo Club.They travelled on the club minibus with supporters and a club instructor to Folkestone in Kent for the Spitfire Open Judo Tournament on Sunday.

A VERY early start to the day and two closed motorways on the journey did nothing to hamper the enthusiasm of eight players from Wymondham Judo Club.

They travelled on the club minibus with supporters and a club instructor to Folkestone in Kent for the Spitfire Open Judo Tournament on Sunday.

With a large entry from a wide range of judo and wrestling styles, this was one of the most challenging and fun high level events of the year.

Despite several wins between them, Adam Claydon (men 81kg), Max Morris (under 12 boys 36kg), Taylor Morris (under-12 boys 36kg) and Eddy Elliott (under-12 boys 30kg) returned with only a presentation attendance medal each in large groups - although Taylor and Eddy both eventually lost fighting for bronze medals in their groups.

However, the Wymondham girls demonstrated how strong female judo is at the club, as Elsie Sturdy (under-12 girls 34kg) took an excellent silver medal, as did Sherrida Dye (under-16 girls 60kg plus).

Going one step further though were Fenn Morris (under-16 girls 55kg) and Kiya Claydon (under-16 girls 50kg) who both dominated their groups to win excellent gold medals.

The long and hard-fought day was still thought to be worth it as the journey back was delayed for another hour and a-half when the M25 was closed at Dartford.