Sussex trials success for Bridgeview Judo aces

Bridgeview fielded just nine home players and two associate members in this year’s trials. Many of the club’s competitors were either at higher level judo events or away on holiday, which impacted the Bridgeview entry and overall results.

Nonetheless, the team still finished second overall in the county, with two gold, three silver and four bronze medals to add to their already impressive tally this year.

Ruby Smith and Amelija Andruse were the gold medallists, with Andruse performing particularly well in her weight category.

Elsie Riggs, Emily Charman and Louie Hanna collected silver medals, Charman being denied the top of the podium by her clubmate Andruse.

Daffyd Smith, Freddy Bloeman along with associate members Emmet and Oliver Prokopy all brought home bronze medals to complete the club’s medal collection.

Marlon Afzali and Greyson Howe both had really tough bouts and fought really well despite not finishing among the medallists.

All in all this was a very good day for Lewes Judo and the Bridgeview coaching team, with dreams of what might have been had more players been available on the day.

All medallists gain a place on the Sussex Squad, with opportunities for further coaching and trips, as well as potentially being selected to represent the county at the Southern area inter-counties event in May.