Fine judo showing by 17-year-old

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33254, 18 June 1973, Page 15

Fine judo showing by 17-year-old

The 17-year-old international

ludoka, R. Prince, continued his recent good form and showed he has a bright future in the sport by winning two titles at the Canterbury judo championships held in the St Patrick's church hall on

Saturday. Prince a brown belt won the young men’s and senior men’s light middle-weight divisions, and also finished a creditable third in the senior open division. Although Prince won his young men’s division easily, he received good opposition in the senior division. Better knowledge of tlie skills, which has made him one of the most promising judokas for his age and weight, gave Prince an advantage over his opponents. Last month Prince won national titles in the intermediate open and light middle-weight divisions.

Most of the results at the championships finished as predicted. although it was a surprise that M. Townsend (University) and D. Pearce (University) were beaten in their events.

Both judokas, who are experienced competitors, finished third in the senior middle-weight and light heavy-weight divisions. In the light heavy-weight event, the University orange belt. R. Walters, put up a good performance to win the title and head higher graded exponents, L. Holmes (International), and Pearce, both green belts. University’s black belt, I. Staples, a nominee for the New Zealand team to compete in the world championships next month, as expected won two major titles—the senior heavy-weight and open divisions.

In the open final. Staples fought J. Gallagher (University), who was making a return to the sport after an absence of five years. Gallagher showed good technique but did not have the advantage of recent competition as did Staples. In the junior section, P. May, G. Spinks. I. Buchanan and Miss F. Roeloffs, showed out as promising juniors and had as much knowledge and skill as some of the seniors. Miss Roeloffs fought very well in winning the under seven stone section. During the championship. 15 people gained referee licences, and Messrs M. Ravenscroft. R. Bailey, L. Bryndley and Mrs C. Stanbridge were awarded Canterbury Area A grade licences. The championship was marred by an unusual spate of injuries, and five judokas had to retire from the tournament. It was a disappointment that W. Loader (International), one of the province’s promising judokas, cracked some ribs after competing in his first tournament out of the junior ranks. However, he was able to win the young men’s light-weight division before suffering the injury; Loader will be out of acton for about four weeks but should be fit for the South Island championships in Greymouth during Labour week-end. Results were:— Young men

Light-weight.—W. Loader (International). 1; J. Hayward (Avonhead) 2; M. Puddle (International), 3. Light middle-weight.— R. Prince (International) 1. SENIOR MEN

Light-weight.—D. May (International) 1. G. Bennett (International) 2, G. Chandler (Kaiapoi) 3.

Light middle-weight.—R. Prince (International) 1, J. Moriarty (University) 2. G. Coulson (Can-Am-Ju) 3.

Middle-weight.—P. Bennett (International) 1. S. Taylor (International) 2, M. Townsend (University) 3. Light heavy-weight.—R. Walters (University) 1, L. Holmes (International) 2, D. Pearce (University) 3. Heavy-weight.—l. Staples (University) 1.

Open.—l. Staples (University) 1, J. Gallagher (University) 2, R. Prince (International) 3. TEAMS

Senior open.—lnternational, Junior.—lnternational.

WOMEN Kata, fifth and fourth Kyu.— D. Ramsay (Avonhead) 1.

Third Kyu and above.—C. Stanbridge (Cobbers Kwai) 1, P. Blandford (International) 2. Junior.—S. Longley (Avonhead) 1, J. Carter (Can-Am-Ju) 2, V. Baker (International) 3. Under 81st.—C. Stanbrldge (Cobber Kwai) 1, Under lOst.—M. Roeloffs (International) 1, P. Blandford (International) 2. Open—S. Manderson (International) I, P. Blandford (International) 2, S. Pilet (International) 3. GIRLS Under sJst.—R. Miles (Avonhead) 1, J. Nugent (Can-Am-Ju)

Under 7st.—F. Roeloffs (International) 1 J. Kilkelly (Can-Am-Ju) 2, J. Carter (Can-Am-Ju) 3.

i Over 7st.—V. Baker (Interna tlonal) 1. A. Ruwhiu (Can Am-Ju 2, J, Boreham i International) 3.

JUNIOR BOYS i Under 4st.—P. May (Interna- ! tional) 1, N. Glass (Can-Am-Ju) 2. ' Under sst.—C. Williamson (Cobber Kwai) 1, R. Barnsley (Cobber Kwai) 2, G. May (International) 3. Under 6stG. Spinks (Can-Am-Ju) 1, S. Fltt (International) 2. 1. Buchanan <lnternational! 3. Under 7st.—M. Burnside (International) 1. M. Flaherty (Can Am-Ju) 2, R. Leary (International) 3. Under Bst.—S. Cooper (International) 1, C. Browne (Can-Am-Ju) 2, R. Jackson (Can-Am-Ju) 3. Under 9st.—S. Caldwel ilnterna. tional) 1. M. Browne (Can-Am-Ju) 2. L Hastie (International) 3. Over 9st.—B. Woodley (International) 1, K. Sheehan (Cobber Kail 2. C. Male (International) 3.