JUDO: Five medals from nine entrants was a good return for Samurai Judo Club at one of the toughest area tournaments on the calendar.

The prolific Kate Walker was the first medallist at the Lakeland Open in Kendal, Cumbria, as she impressed against British squad players for bronze.

A semi-final defeat to Scotland's top player cost her a place in the final, although she dominated the early stages and went a score up.

However, Walker hit back with fine wins in her last two contests with a spectacular throw and an excellent counter against a British squad opponent.

Lightweight Greg Oertel went one better to reach the final with good wins and only a defeat against the Welsh champion prevented him from gaining gold.

Oertel's younger sister Amy lost at the last stage to a player from the north of England, meaning two silvers for the family.

Bright prospect Kelly Edwards showed exceptional determination in a series of quality wins.

Edwards made the semi-final and went for her first victory over a Lincoln rival but was caught on the ground in extra-time after dominating the contest.

She did gain bronze in the end though as did the less experienced Jack Roberts who did well to take three contests in the boys' lightweights, including a superb winning rolling shoulder throw.

One player unlucky to miss out on the medals was John Connor who came up against the British representative for the Junior European Championships.

Despite lasting far longer than anybody else on the day against his opponent, Connor was unable to win.

He did polish off three top-class players though with spectacular throws before losing for a second time to keep him out of the top places.

Meanwhile, Samurai president Malcolm Limrick is in charge of the judo event for Channel Four television programme The Games.

Limrick was appointed tournament director by the British Judo Association.

Anyone interested in judo can call Tina Gaughan on 01905 452562 or visit www.samurai.org.uk