THERE was strong local interest in the Northwest Fundamentals judo competition, which was held before Christmas at Longtower Community Centre in Derry.
Four members of the Lightfoot Judo School were in action — Reuben Lightfoot in the U-22kg category, Kyle McWatters (U-28kg), Dylan McNally (U-42kg) and Oisin Carlin (U-46kg).
After a mass warm-up, which is part of the fundamentals format, the action got under way and up first was Reuben, whose opening match was against a much taller opponent.
He went down by two scores early on, but drew level again to take the match in a golden score decider, which he lost by a seven-point score.
His next match was a bit more clear-cut. He cut out silly mistakes and threw his opponent for an ippon ten-point score, using an ogoshi-taiotoshi combination with a hand change in the middle — a great piece of work.
Kyle was next up and he rose to the occasion by pulling out two big ippons from left-handed osotogari (leg sweeps) to go clear in his group.
His semi-final match was against a tougher and stronger opponent.
He went in front with a five-point score and although his opponent drew level, he scored another five-pointer to win.
Kyle’s final match was more straight forward. He scored a seven-point wazari and then an ippon to win outright and collect the gold medal.
Dylan was up next and put in a sterling effort in his three matches.
His first, against a taller opponent, caused him problems and he lost in quick time. In his second match he came close to scoring with some well-worked taiothshi attacks.
His third fight was against another boy who was in-form and there was no shame in losing. Dylan finished with a well-deserved bronze medal.
Oisin was the last Lightfoot School competitor to go and in his first match he pulled off this amazing uchimata — his coach’s trademark throw — to win inside ten seconds.
His next match went a similar way with a good win by ippon to put him first in his division.
To give him extra fights, the organisers let him compete against greens in his same weight class.
The first match proved just a bit outside his level of skills.
The second one was much closer with both boys scoring several times, but his opponent just edged the final account.
Oisin received a well-deserved bronze was awarded and a compliment from the former NIJF chairman, who described him as a talented fighter.
All the Lightfoot School competitors, did themselves, their parents and their club proud.