YJC at Scottish Open 2003
Members from the young judo club made the long journey to Dumfries in Scotland, for the IBF Scottish open judo and open Sombo wrestling competition. The club is going from strength to strength with a big increase seen in its membership. This is one of the clubs longest journeys that they make throughout the competition year. Next year is the 10th anniversary of the host club and something special is sure to be arranged. The club made the journey by mini-bus; the clubs supporters who collect waste paper throughout the year sponsored this, a big thanks to Brian Miller who helped with the driving. Almost 20 members made the journey either as competitors, officials or supporters. The competition pulled in clubs from all over Scotland, England and Holland. Scotland had a very good team entered from Dumfries itself, also with IBF European champions taking place. The club had 6 fighting on the day Emily Miller, Sam Miller, Ashley Jordan, Perri Mortimer, Alyx Costa, Danny Carrott who trains with the senior section at the club and club officials were Dave Boulding, Keith Costa, Lyn Costa, Sian Costa, Alyx costa and Sarah Jordan.
The club has always had a good result in Scotland and this year was no different. Emily miller the clubs youngest entry took silver in her weight group. Perri Mortimer took two medals over the weekend taking gold in her weight group and bronze in a slightly heavier group. Sam miller took silver in his group, but made things to easy for the gold medal winner by making a few mistakes, which to his credit he new he had done and said he will put it write next time. Ashley Jordan had a good day taking silver against a very good opponent, who he made work hard to get the gold medal. Alyx Costa took 5th place against some very strong girls, in her first competition for 2 years. Danny Carrott took a bronze in the Sombo competition, but took a very good gold in the judo. When he beat an IBF European champion from Holland in the final.
The weekend also saw new referees and timekeepers taking part, having just past their course exams, they then needed to perform the practical side of refereeing and timekeeping. Although none are from the Young Judo Club but some do train there, a mention is appropriate as without them the weekend may not have been the success it was, not only for the Young Judo Club but for IBF Scotland as well.
This can be one of the most nerve-racking experiences for anyone to perform and even more so as none were over the age of 19yrs.The four young referees taking part were Daniel Diamond, David Diamond, Gavin Borton and Kieran Daniels. These four looked smart, performed extremely well and should be proud of themselves. The young timekeepers who also gave a good account of themselves were Ian Parker, James Passmore, Rebecca Passmore and Jason Horstead.These four all come from the same club and their coach should be proud of the hard work his members are putting in. All of them also competed on the day, so for them it was a busy day as competitors and officials. So well done to all.