Four Cobar Judo Club members competed at the Australian Judo Union (AJU) National Tournament in Tweed Heads on the weekend and returned with medals.
With no juniors in attendance this year it was up to the senior members of the local Dojo (club) to represent, with all competing members placing in their respective divisions.
Marshall Anderson, competing in the U80kg Men’s division, was unable to capitalise on his Silver medal from last year’s event, but made his opponent work hard for every point.
Despite his best efforts, Marshall had to be content with the Bronze this year.
Nick Mitchell contested the U90kgs Men’s division and came out strong immediately forcing his opponents onto the back foot.
In Nick’s first bout he showed his superiority dispatching his opponent with a textbook shoulder technique only to be disallowed on technical grounds. The frustration on Nick’s face was evident after this, but it ensured he wasn’t going to hold back a second time. He finished with Gold.
Chris Driver represented the Cobar club in the Men’s 100+kg division. This was Chris’ first time at a major event and he was up against opponents two or more ranks higher than himself. Undeterred, Chris was a force to be reckoned with. After some competition nerves, Chris started to relax and show, despite his inexperience, he could meet his opponents on even terms. By the end, Chris walked away with the Gold (and a suspected broken toe).
Jessica Sinclair competed in the Women’s Open division and it was also her first time in a major event. Despite the nerves she must have been feeling, she represented well. Her inexperience made for some interesting moments, where it could have gone either way, but at the end of the day Jessica walked away with Silver.—contributed
