Worldwide entry for Judo and Sombo championships takes place at Dumfries Icebowl

Aug 15 2008 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

THE Scottish Open International Judo and Sombo Wrestling Championships were held at the Icebowl in Dumfries, organised by Robin Hyslop and Closeburn Judo/Wrestling club.

Players who took part came from the USA, Russia, Germany, Belgium, Ukraine and from all over the UK with over 130 players in total.

The Closeburn club took home the total of 11 medals - two gold, six silver and three bronze.

Closeburn's newest member, Kelsey Hirst, who has been training for less than one month, took silver in her weight category after having to fight two extra golden score minutes.

Silver also went to Jodie Gibson and Megan Coltart in their weight divisions, boys Luke Ronald took silver and Charlie Brown, another newcomer to the club, gained a fourth place in his weight group.

Closeburn senior members Johannes Alder took both gold in the Judo and gold in the Sombo Wrestling securing his place in this year's British team for the World championships in St Petersburg, Russia, in November.

Closeburn heavyweight, Jack Tinning, took bronze in both the 100 kilo weight group and bronze in the masters.

Jack also took silver in the Sombo Masters beating eight-times British champion Paul Sawyer in the semi final and going the full distance with Cage Warriors heavyweight, Darrin Richardson, only to lose on points.

Fergus Devlin, a recent beginner to join the club at Closeburn, took bronze in the Judo and silver in the Sombo wrestling, Fergus fought well and gave some of the black belt players problems also in the Sombo Wrestling going the full distance in some of his fights. Fergus was awarded the trophy for the most improved player.

Provost Jack Groom handed out plaques from the council to Vadim Colganov from Moscow, Jochan Bochman from Germany, David Bonner from USA and to Keith Costa from the UK.

Many thanks to the Icebowl staff and to the Nithsdale Sports Council for their help with the competition. Thanks to the Red Cross for first aid cover.

Closeburn Judo/Sombo wrestling club train on Tuesday night's 7pm-9pm Closeburn village hall.

Beginners and new members are always welcome.