WALTON Judo Club members enjoyed another successful trip to the Area Championships.

Seven out of eight players managed a place on the podium.

However, unusually, a gold medal eluded them on this occasion.

Twins Alana and Perry Taylor Weeden had the most success on the day.

Both finished their respective weight categories tied for second place, meaning they both had to complete another two contests to decide whether they were to take home silver or bronze.

Both confidently saw off their opposition with ippon throws to take the silver medals.

Twelve-year-olds Henry Spooner and Evelyn Silvester moved up an age category to compete in the under-16 category.

While displaying good judo, the top spots were out of reach for them on this occasion.

Silvester came fifth and Spooner took bronze – a feat matched by younger brother Freddy.

With there being no under-21 section at the championships, Rowan Lockyear and Lewis Ward had to contest for the senior title in probably the most competitive category of the day.

Current British number five Lockyear was unable to get the better of another top-ranked player in his first contest, so needed to win all his contests to secure the silver. He did this in style, including a win over club-mate Ward, who picked up a bronze medal.

Club coach Mark Salter picked up the club’s last medal of the day.

Having weighed over his category on the scales, he was forced to compete in the over 100kg category.

Giving away 20 to 30kg in each contest, Salter managed some impressive wins, but still didn’t quite manage to take the title, settling for the silver.

It was the second weekend in a row that Salter had medalled, picking up a bronze in the masters section at the Southend international competition the previous week. Nicole Spooner picked up a bronze at the same event.