NICOLAS Johnson and Andrew Pickerill were in London over the weekend of February 11 and 12 to compete in the London International Judo Championships against the best players in the UK. Andrew Pickerill fought on the Saturday in the over 60kg category for

NICOLAS Johnson and Andrew Pickerill were in London over the weekend of February 11 and 12 to compete in the London International Judo Championships against the best players in the UK.

Andrew Pickerill fought on the Saturday in the over 60kg category for 12 and 13-year-olds and won his first two contests easily to stay in the race for gold and silver. Despite scoring in his third contest, he narrowly lost on points to cadet international which placed him in the repechage for a bronze medal. Andrew won that final contest and a well- deserved bronze medal.

Johnson was in the under 49kg category for 10 and 11-year-olds, and the event was only his second at national level. He lost his first contest when he was held by his opponent, taking him out of the gold and silver contests and into the repechage for the bronze medal posistions where he had to keep winning to be in with a chance. Nicholas learnt from his early loss and notched up three consecutive wins throwing two opponents for maximum points then beating another with a throw and hold to take the bronze medal, a commendable achievement against high class opposition.

Andrew and Nicholas both started judo at the age of five years old, are the dedicated to the sport and are also qualified junior referees. Andrew was the '2005 club player of the year' and Nicholas the '2005 most promising club player'. They are keen to broaden their competition experience at the higher level but with the travelling and, occasional overnight stays it is expensive and many promising young players are unable to continue participating at national level without additional funding. On behalf of Andrew and Nicholas, Littleport Judo Club appeals to local businesses and individuals for sponsership and any interested parties are invited to contact the secretary, Ros Edwards, on 01552 840573 or write to Littleport Judo Club at 76 Back Lane, West Winch, King's Lynn. PE33 0LA.

n The Judo Club welcomes new players, young and old, and meets at Littleport Leisure Centre. More information about the Judo Club is available at the Leisure Centre or by ringing one of the coaches on 01553 763973 or 01553 840573.