Silver double for Vale Judo Club in Estonia

Oakham-based Vale Judo Club, British Judo’s 2010 Club of The Year, captured two silver medals at the highly-rated 2012 Tallinn Cup on Saturday 3 March in Estonia.

Youngsters Holly Newton and Sofia Palmer flew the flag for Britain and Vale Judo Club as 750 judoka saw action at the prestigious event representing 97 clubs and 14 countries.

Sofia (left) and Holly (right) celebrate silver medals

Louise Newton, Vale Judo Club coach and mother to Holly, said: “The idea was to experience Eastern European fighting styles, and Holly faced players from Estonia, Lithuania and Sweden, producing ippon throws to earn her place in the final.

“There she met Louise Enfors fom Sweden and, despite strong early attacks, was unable to best the taller girl and had to be satisfied with the silver medal in the U17s -57kgs category.

“Disappointingly for Sofia, the small weight groups were not combined and she had a best of three against Estonian, Pille Niit. Sofia dominated the gripping but was unable to convert it into useful attacks and had to settle for silver in the U13 -44kg category.”

After the competition the Vale Judo Club contingent, who were led by head coach Mike Newton, enjoyed a reunion with Estonian coach Toni Eylandet who generously hosted the group on a tour of Tallinn Old town.

Holly and Ida warm up

Holly and Sofia also renewed acquaintances with Swedish friends Lars and Ida Erikkson – Ida also taking a silver medal, in the U15 -48kg category.

For more information on Vale Judo Club visit http://vale.lrjudo.org.uk/