Success for High Peak at British Under 12 Judo Championships

7 October 2008

Two of Glossop Judo Club’s best young fighters brought home medals after travelling to Walsall for the 2008 British under 12 Judo Championships.

Eric Ham and Rhiannon Baldwin (pictured) were up against the elite of British Judo, with more than 150 competitors taking part.

Rhiannon was fighting for the first time in a big competition at her new weight group. She started well winning her first two fights with big throws and relative ease. Sadly Rhiannon lost her last two fights but brought a great Bronze medal back to Glossop.

Rhiannon has now medalled the last two years in the British Championships and can certainly look forward to many more years of success in the sport.

As a clear favourite for this year’s event, Eric Ham brought some of his best judo to the competition.

Winning all his first five fights in style Eric reached the final with amazing ease.

Due to the way the competition was run Eric faced the same competitors he had easily despatched in his very first fight of the day, and for the first two-and-a-half minutes of the contest Eric’s domination continued but he was unable to finish his opponent as easily had he had done earlier in the day.

Five scores up and streets ahead Eric was 20 seconds away from becoming 2008 British Champion, but after a moment of lost concentration Eric was thrown for the first time of the day and lost the chance to win this coveted title, instead settling for a silver medal.

Club coach Geoff Ham said both fighters should be proud of this year’s achievements - to be classed as the second and third best fighters at your age in Great Britain is no mean feat.

He added: “It was a great day for Glossop and is a fabulous achievement for both fighters to bring back medals.”

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