Judo: Cousins clinch medals at champs

DECKED: The Watson boys Lochlan (left), Keightley and Kasey (on ground) returned home from international judo competition with medals. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Two Wanganui brothers and a cousin came away from the Auckland International Judo Championships with medals against stiff opposition at the weekend.

Keightley (13) and Lochlan (9) Watson and their cousin Kasey Watson (14) are all members of the Wanganui Judo Club and fought in different weight divisions in strong company at the international event.

Keightley returned home with silver in the over 66kg senior boys grade and bronze in the open weight division, while brother Lochlan was sporting a bronze from the over 36kg junior boys grade.

In his first year competing in the cadet men's grade Kasey did well to claim a bronze in the under-81kg class against 16 and 17-year-olds.

All three are coached by Kasey's father Wayne Watson, who said the boys fought with grit and determination and thoroughly deserved their medal haul.

"Competing at the lesser competitions is tough enough, but these big international events are a real test and all three did extremely well in Auckland. It's always difficult to win medals at the big events," Watson said.

"Kasey is in his first year in cadet men and was up against 16 and 17-year-olds - that's a big ask."

A third Watson brother, nine-year-old Callaghan, was unlucky not to earn a medal in his grade after a slight muck up the draws. The youngster had appeared to do enough to earn bronze, but was forced to fight again, unfortunately losing narrowly.

Fellow club member Aiden Voice was meant to compete in Auckland but was ruled out with a knee injury.

Kasey Watson is now preparing for the upcoming New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships in Tauranga.

Meanwhile, Wanganui judo referee Diane Limbrey officiated at the Auckland International in preparation for two international events in Europe later this month. The Wanganui police officer will be representing New Zealand by officiating at both the Senior European Cup in Sindelfingen, Germany near Stuttgart on July 12-13 and the following weekend at the Junior European Cup on July 19-20 in Wroclaw, Poland.