SAMURAI Judo Club members turned out in force to support the Jamie Macdonald Charity Championships.

The event is run in aid of research into brain tumours and is in memory of a young Welsh player who died from the disease.

The event was held at the Welsh National Sports Centre in Cardiff with the Samurai team running the tournament.

On the mat, Loic Keasey led the way with another impressive gold medal in the boys' event, whilst Olivia Turner beat four black belts, all by maximum points, to take gold in the women’s section.

Once again, the club’s latest girls squad were all there and battling well.

Cerys Jones looked very much on form in the largest category of the day, winning three matches to get to the final of her group before suffering her only defeat and having to settle for silver. Maddi Haywood took a silver, as did the up-and-coming Sophia Rose, while Sophie Davis added a bronze and Maddi Averill finished just outside the medals but with her usual determined performance.

In the boys category, Jordan Phillips and Edward Martin both took bronzes. Isaac Sobolowski was hugely unlucky; after some good early contests he was in the bronze play-off and was winning that comfortably when he slipped on the mat and his opponent got him onto the ground. Mateo Allen also put up a brave effort against much older players.

In the senior men's event, Jack Walker finished fifth and Martin Allen sixth.

For details about starting judo, telephone 0776 1122977 or visit the Samurai website on samurai.org.uk