Hawkinge - 27 th November 2005

On the Sunday 27 th November, students from the Norfolk Sombo Association, attended the South East Kent Sombo Championships in Hawkinge near Folkestone. It was the second time that this competition had been arranged by the BCSA and Sombo UK .

The event was attended by over 50 competitors, who were drawn from all over the south coast of England and the Youth and Senior men's categories also had some very good competitors from the Netherlands.

Senior NSA Coach Graham Mann said "This was a very depleted group from our club, due to several of the normal squad members, missing through injury and colds, but the newer and younger students all faired very well against some very good aggressive competitors" .

The following medals were collected by the clubs students

Junior Sections (Throws & Hold downs)

Kieran Dobinson (boys 2) - Bronze medal

Louie Couma (boys 3) - Silver medal and Cameron Molloy - Bronze medal

Daniel Storer (boys 4) - Silver medal

Alex Moughton (boys 5) - Silver medal and Lewis Chapman - Bronze medal

Youth Sections (Arm & Leg Locks included)

Chris Gath (Youth boys 1) - Gold Medal

Wayne Sharman (youth boys 2) - Bronze medal

Martine Clark (Youth Girls) - Silver medal and Daniela Balls - Bronze medal

Senior Mens (Full Sombo Rules)

Graham Mann (Senior Veterans Group) - Bronze medal

The Event Organizer Colin Carrott said "it was really good to see the group from Norfolk, they are always good competitors and have supported our events and we plan to attend the Norfolk Open Competition next year." These comments were echoed by senior officials of the British Combat Sombo Organisation Martin Clarke and Keith Costa and National Sombo UK coach Tim Thomas.

Graham Mann said that all the students, should be proud of their efforts in their events "it's quite something to practice a sport like these, but its completely different to go up against somebody who you don't know, in an event like this and come away with a medal. I know it's a bit of a cliché but its taking part that really counts. I'm sure that the students, who didn't get a medal this time, have all gained valuable experience, and I'm sure they will collect medals soon. If they stick at it "

Graham would also like to thank the other support team members, who came along to help make sure everything went smoothly, and the drivers Peter and Eric from Reynolds Coaches for their assistance on what was a very long day trip to Folkestone.