Double gold for Lucy and Louis in Dublin

Last Sunday a very talented group of fourteen karate students from Carnalea and Scrabo Karate Clubs travelled to the Bawnogue Open Karate Tournament in Dublin. Their travelling friends and families were not disappointed.

The outstanding success, if one was to be highlighted above many was 13 year old Louis Watton; who first of all won his individual kata and then went on, against all the odds, to win his individual sparring category.  In the final he was 3-1 down and on his final warning, when he turned the fight around and claimed gold by winning 6-3.  A fantastic performance! 

Another double gold winner, on her first outing in novice categories, was Lucy Oldfield from the Scrabo club. She won her individual kata and then romped to a 4-0 victory in her sparring final. Stunning!

The final individual gold claimed by the squad went to Tori Patterson in her sparring event. Once Tori got her combination techniques going she bossed the fight.

Jessica Palmer was another competitor who had a great day. She collected silver in individual kata, bronze in individual kumite and bronze in team kata. She shared bronze in team kata with Rachael Fleming and Adam Green. Adam also added individual silver in kumite and Rachel a bronze in individual kumite.

One of the most intense battles of the day was the final of the Girls' age ten kumite, where Lauren Shields eventually had to settle for silver after a split decision.

Ben Rylance kept up his solid performances claiming silver and bronze in individual kata and sparring respectively.

Jacq Watton was delighted to collect bronze in his kumite event, as was Jordan McCartney after a close battle with team-mate Darren Calvert.

Dean Miller was very unlucky to miss out by .1 in the kata for a bronze; however world medallist Aimee McAllister once again showed her class by securing bronze against two very good competitors from the stronger kata style of Shotokan in her individual kata event.

To round of a magnificent day teenager Emily McMahon claimed another two medals for her club, getting bronze in both kata and kumite.

Coach David Brashaw commented "Phew, simply superb! We could not have asked for more effort from these students. I and all of their fans and families are very proud. It was an excellent day all round. We really appreciate the support from parents too"

Students are now back to training in the hope of getting selected for a grading and another competition at the end of March.