This was a competition we did not attend last year and we very nearly did not attend again this year as filling the coach for two night stop-overs is becoming increasingly difficult.

But I am pleased we did for this was a fantastic event in the best arena in Britain. Nine areas ran none stop all day long and most were well refereed. The categories were on the whole well supported with an average of about 28 entrants in each. Two of the categories we won gold in had over 30 entrants which made the first place award even sweeter.

Well done Lola Cassidy for a 10 to 11 years kumite victory and Sadie Stoner for the 12 to 13 years kata victory. Our other gold was Maddison Taylor in kumite.

The squad performed brilliantly and were on extremely good form which is just as well with some of my key players missing the event. We had astonishing success in the 12 to 13 year old female kata winning first second and both third places awards a clean sweep for the Dokan girls. The 10 to 11 years we were not so fortunate, although Eve Palmer was outstanding and took a silver.

Our four young lads - the Henderson Brothers, James Tudberry and Reuben Fellows - put in some good performances too as did Emma Snaith who is a huge prospect. Also, in her first major competition, 7 year old Lucia Bonar had a great attitude and gave a good account of herself. We finished the day on a high when Lola fought her way through a mega tough group to win the individual kumite event.

Afterwards we all went back to the hotel for a few well deserved beers and a meal.

Tags: competitions, 2015