JUDO: Samurai Judo Club took the first step on the road to emulating one of their best days when 12 players qualified for next month's British Junior National Championships.

They brought back a record five medals from last year's competition which was the second biggest from any club in the Midlands.

Samurai's stars were back in form at the Midlands trials, taking six first places with six others qualifying in second place or as wild card entries.

The club got off to the best start possible in the lightest boys weight category with Greg Oertel winning and Wesley Connor second.

Benji Connor finished first and Robin Wo-odward second in the third weight category, while Tom Walker's untroubled display made him overall area winner in the following section.

Ben Newbury produced the best throw of qualifying on his way to fourth in the heavier weight categories.

John Connor's injured shoulder kept him out but he was given one of five wild cards due to his track record at major events this year.

In the young men's categories, the improving Paul Clarke reached the last two to qualify for the nationals before losing to a good throw in the final after taking two low scores off a second-level black belt.

The girls were not helped by Amy Darch and Ellen Ingram who were competing for Great Britain in Germany but will both compete at the nationals.

They still took three first places with newcomer Samantha Jones triumphing in the U-40kgs.

Kate Walker fought well for top place at U-44kgs, defeating one of her strongest British rivals in the final, and Aimee Hodson was fifth.

In the heavyweights, Emmy Kimberley cruised to first place with a polished performance.

For details on Samurai, call Pam Whiteside on 01299 822347.