Youngster comes second in Midland Area U20 competition

JUDO: A ST ALBANS Girls’ School pupil won silver at one of the UK’s top four Judo ranking tournaments.

Lucy Day competed in the Midland Area U20 competition looking to attain a national ranking in the pre-cadet section (12yrs–13yrs), which means she is competing against players in the year above her. In the first round Lucy beat her opponent, a girl who had in fact beaten Lucy at the British National Championships earlier in the year, with a beautifully executed backwards throw for a 10 point win.

Lucy’s next contest, again against a player currently in the pre-cadet squad, saw an evenly matched contest with Lucy and her opponent tussling for control of the match. As the contest progressed Lucy started to gain the upper hand and won the fight with a lovely left handed hip throw for 10 points.

This guaranteed the STAGS pupil at least a silver medal.

In the final Lucy fought hard and defended well against a very good 13-year-old player. The very evenly balanced fight was scoreless at the end of normal contest time so a further two minute period of ‘golden score’ was announced. Unfortunately Lucy lost by a five point score in this period, so was awarded the silver medal and will receive ranking points for her achievement.