THERE were three local medallists in the North West Area Senior Open Championships held at Kendal Judo Club's Dojo, with two winning gold.

Danny Harper, a 3rd Dan, was first on the mat in the over-100kg category. His first opponent, Andrew Clark from Kilmarnock submitted from a strangle technique just over half way through the contest, and he followed this up with a full point throw against Martin Hargreaves from Blackburn. In the semi-final Danny was up against 4th Dan Neil O’Toole from Urmston. The contest went the full five minutes with the Kendal player coming out on top with a half point throw. In the final, Huddersfield's Charles Grocock was unable to find a way round Harper’s constant attacks which left him with the Gold Medal.

Phil Rogan’s first contest in the under-73kg Black Belt Category lasted just 44 seconds with the Kendal player pinning his opponent, Paul Farrant from Essex, for the full point. His next contest against Alhassan Timmy from Manchester ended with another full point win, putting Rogan into the final. Against Nicholas Ripley from Hazel Grove, he was caught with counter throws and had to be content with the Silver medal.

Bradley Hammond made a last minute decision to enter the under-73kg weight, a decision that proved to be the best one of the day for Kendal competitors. In the first round his skilful technique against Daniel Hankinson from Blackpool saw him through to the next round with a full point throw. In the semi-final it took Bradley only 45 seconds to throw and pin Chris Li from Blackpool. In the fight for gold it was again Bradley’s throwing skills which gave him the win with an excellent shoulder throw.