ELEVEN players from Wymondham Judo Club competed at the elite British Schools' National Individual Judo Championships on Saturday held at Sheffield's 'English Institute of Sport' Arena.

ELEVEN players from Wymondham Judo Club competed at the elite British Schools' National Individual Judo Championships on Saturday held at Sheffield's 'English Institute of Sport' Arena.

With extremely strong entries from across the entire UK this packed event was one of the highest standard events that the club had attended for some time.

But, as ever, the players rose to the task and returned with one British champion, two bronze medallists and five players placed fifth.

Earning places on the medal rostrum were Alexander Tonnison (Wymondham High, years 7/8/9) and Megan Wolstenholme (Wymondham College, years 7/8/9) who each earned amazing bronze medals in their respective groups.

Ashley Harrop (Wymondham High, years 10/11) won gold in style for his school and club as he defeated every single one of his opponents from a large group with ippon throws (equivalent to a boxing knockout).

He even took less than a minute to dispatch his opponent in the final with one of the most impressive throws of the day.

Chris Claydon, head coach of Wymondham Judo Club, said: 'This was a really impressive event, and each of the players was a great credit to their club and respective schools - both on the contest mat and off.

'We're all really proud of them, and look forward to attending the 2011 event and hopefully improve on these already fantastic results.'

With a gold, bronze and two fifth places, Wymondham High School was one of the top five schools in the UK in terms of numbers of medals and fifth placings earned.

Competing for their first times at this level Nick Parker (representing Wymondham High School in the years 7/8/9 age group) and Lewis Bull (Long Stratton High, years 7/8/9) both held their own in their respective weight groups with some impressive wins, but were unable to reach the medal rounds.

Kiya Claydon (Wymondham High, years 10/11) also returned empty handed after being injured out by an opponent she was beating who went on to eventually win silver.

Sherridan Dye (Old Buckenham High, years 10/11), Amelia Sturdy (Wymondham College, years 7/8/9), Adam Claydon (Wymondham High, years 12/13) and Laurence Oakes (Wymondham High, years 12/13) all competed extremely well and just missed out on the medals - earning very respectable fifth placings each.

River Morris (Hethersett High, years 7/8/9) also earned a fifth placing but was also injured and was taken to hospital for checks on her neck. Fortunately she had no lasting damage, but was denied an almost guaranteed bronze medal.