Wandsworth Lightning Judo Club have claimed a host of medals at the Samurai National Competition, writes Brian Watts.

The fighting spirit of Jenny Costen, aged 17, took her through six rounds and into the final of the girls under 63k category.

Facing the current champion, Costen had a tough fight on her hands, both girls battling hard, but with just 30 seconds left Costen skilfully threw her opponent to the ground with a forceful Tai-Otoshi, a forward throw, landing her opponent on her back scoring a full Ippon to take the gold medal.

Remarkably, Tom Boxell aged 15 and weighing just 75k, lifted from the floor his 94k opponent, throwing him, and then pinning him to the ground.

This qualified Boxell for the final where he fought hard to take Silver, only narrowly missing Gold. His Younger brother Josh Boxell, aged 13, produced a great display of Judo winning four out of five rounds to take Bronze in the under 66k category.

Credit also goes to Paul Watts, who narrowly missed taking a medal but consistently battled hard against tough opponents, winning his rounds effectively with strong groundwork and grappling skills.

Darren Hawney, team coach and member of the National Judo Squad, said the junior team have trained hard for this competition and deserve their medals, this was a tough event and once again Wandsworth Lightning have ranked well.'