JUDO: Eight Samurai Judo Club stars took golds in Birmingham at the Castle Vale Open.

Steven Wagstaff secured the first gold in the lightest boys' group and Greg Oertel grabbed yet another success with an impressive four wins.

Robin Woodward won three in a row to take bronze with eye-catching groundwork after an early defeat to a top opponent.

But Benjy Connor steered Samurai back into the golds with a smart display, including spectacular foot-sweeps.

British champion Tom Walker, back after a summer illness, lost his first contest in the face of questionable refereeing but bounced back to win every other match and decisively take gold.

Ben Newbury and Karl Gaughan started well in the next weight up, scoring five and four maximum-point victories.

But they were both powered out in semi-finals against stronger players only to come back well for bronzes with Newbury beating fifth-placed Ryan Pitcock.

John Connor and Ben Dowling faced each other in the U-55kg final after winning three contests.

Dowling matched his opponent in the early stages but Connor's experience and skill decided the match and gave him gold.

Emily Watson produced a stylish four fine wins to return with gold in the girls' U-28kg lightweight group.

It was matched by Amy Oertel's similar triumph.

Despite being ill, Kerrie Pitcock put in a brave display and was unlucky to lose her semi-final in extra-time but still managed a deserved bronze.

Kate Walker's fine display of skill, which featured an inner thigh throw-of-the-day, claimed Samurai's eighth gold.