THREE youngsters from Swanley Judo Club picked up medals at the National Junior Champ-ionships held at Crystal Palace two of them gold.

David Tibble, 13, from Gravesend, won a gold in the under-60kg category, Carly Bertram, 13, from Dartford, won a gold in the under-57kg, and her sister Lauren, who's is 11, won a bronze in the under-44kg class.

The trio reached the National finals after qualifying from the Southern Area Finals held at Worthing.

Coach Ron Tibble said: "The three have worked very hard for what they achieved.

"They can't participate in anything like the Youth Olympics because they are too young, but their effort has paid off and they are a credit to the club.

"Without the support from their parents it wouldn't be

possible, so credit is due to them too."

This follows outstanding success at the Sittingbourne Open where 22 members of the club, based in Hilda May Avenue, performed well to win 12 medals.

Four members won gold in their respective weights: Kimberley Morgan, six, in the under-22kg group, Bonny Watkins, seven, in the under-30kg, Katharine Leach, who is 11, in the under-44kg and David Tibble, in the under-60kg category.

Silver medals were won by Megan Smith and Louise Query, both aged seven in the under-26kg class, and Deanna Gillespie, 10, in the under-30kg section.

And there were bronze medals for Kim Ireland, six, Adrianne Ireland, seven, both in the under-26kg, Rosemary Leach, 10, in the under-25kg, Louise Law, 11, under-44kg and Patrick Smith, who is nine, in the under-36kg class.

Jessica Query, seven, finished fourth in the under-26kg and Ladi Dawodu, six, who came fifth in the under-27kg section. Others competing were Robert Smith, seven, Nicola Carter, 10, Emily Doody, eight, Thomas Harrison, Tony Elstone, six, and Karl Orpin, 10, all from Swanley.

The club has had a good year, since it was formed by Ron Tibble only last year.

Members have won gold medals at various competitions, including the British Judo Championships, National Schools' Championships and various Kent Championships.

Anybody interested in finding out more about joining Swanley Judo Club, which has limited places, call Ron on 01474 334595.

December 11, 2001 18:10