ACT Open -

Girls take clean sweep

26 February 2011

The ACT International Open is the traditional 'season opener' of the Judo Calendar and always attracts quality entrants in high numbers across all divisions - 2011 was no exception.

For the Juniors (under 20 years) and Cadets (under 17 years) there was more on the line then just a Gold Medal. For them, this would be the sole selection tournament for qualification to represent Australia at the 2011 Oceania Championships.

Our youngest team member Vita Milojkovic started the campaign off by claiming Gold in the U/14yrs U/36kg division. Next up, fast improving Ashleigh Stevens won Gold in the U/14yrs U/48kg division with a dominating display of Judo. Ashleigh showed just how far she came since training with the senior squad with a dynamic display of athleticism and technique.

In the Junior division Leah Uncle won through to the final in convincing fashion, despite a difficult draw. From the start of the Gold Medal match, she made sure their would be nothing left to chance with a strong victory to take the Gold Medal - and qualify her position for Oceania 2011.

After a perfect start, Courtney Barks made sure that the girls record would be complete unblemished with Gold in the Junior -57kg class. Courtney executed her matches with technique and class to win Gold and cement her selection for Oceania 2011.

The result was a credit to our women's team who train very hard, often against bigger, older bodies and are reaping the success of their work.

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