Midland Area Age Band 2014 – Results

On Sunday 2 February Connor Tait, Ethan Ward and Jack Hopewell represented our club at the Midland Area Age Band Championships that were held in Walsall.

This was the first ranking event of 2014 at which all the top competitors throughout the UK were in attendance and is the first year in the Pre-Cadet age band for these three boys.

Jack was up first in the u50kg category with 13 other competitors, Jack fought well against his first two opponents with both contests going the full duration, however he was narrowly beaten both times the first by a Yuko score and the second by a penalty, Jack was now eliminated from the competition.

Connor was up next in the u34kg category with six other competitors, this was split into two pools and Connor was in a pool of three and would need to win at least one contest to progress to the next round. Connor was took by surprise in the first contest and was outmatched by his opponent who scored a quick Ippon throw on Connor, his second contest was much better going the full contest duration, however his opponent took the win with a Waza-Ari scored earlier in the match. This eliminated Connor from the event but placed him fifth overall.

Ethan was last up in the u38kg category with 15 other competitors, Ethan lost his first round contest after being thrown for Wara-Ari and then held for Ippon, he was then moved to the repechage where he would have to win all remaining contests to gain a bronze medal. Both of the Ethan’s next two contests were tight and he eventually won both following the full contest duration the first by a Yuko score and the second by a Waza-Ari score. His next contest was just a tough again going the full duration however this time it was Ethan’s opponent who won the match with a Yuko score. This result placed Ethan in 7th place overall.

Also in action in the u38kg category was club regular Charlie Young who battled through the initial rounds to reach the Semi-Final. In the semi-final his opponent was the eventual victor and Charlie would now fight for Bronze, Charlie took the bronze winning the contest early with an Ippon hold.

This was a tough day for all of our competitors and gave them an idea of what they need to work on to win contests in this new age band, they now need to work hard and prepare for the next ranking event in February.

Midlands Under 21 Age Band Championships 2014 Results

Videos from some of the contests can be found below.