The East Coast Judo Championships in Hastings this weekend will provide a platform for two Wanganui clubs to prepare for bigger upcoming assignments and to blood new exponents.
The Wanganui Judo Club will send 13 fighters, while the Wanganui City College Judo Club will dispatch 10.
Wanganui club coach WayneWatson said the East Coast competition was the first tournament of the year and an ideal platform to prepare fighters heading to both the North Island and national championships later in the year. But, more importantly, Watson said several of his charges were in training for the Oceania Judo Championships in Cairns, Australia, next month.
"The East Coast champs is the first tournament for the year and a great chance for our members to get some valuable mat time in, especially for Aidan Voice who will be representing New Zealand for the first time in Cairns next month. Aidan is a green belt and a real up-and-comer," Watson said.
Watson's son Daniel, who is ranked No1 junior boy in the country, was also selected to compete in Cairns, but has turned down the opportunity.
"Daniel will compete this weekend, but won't be going to Cairns. He's been waiting for a call up to join the New Zealand Police Force and doesn't want to jeopardise that. We have 13 going to Hastings this weekend and I think all will do well, especially Keightley Watson who is one of the top juniors in the country. We also have a few newbees and the competition this weekend is a great chance for them to get some more experience," Watson said yesterday.
Wanganui City College coach Garry Davies said two of his team heading to Hastings were also preparing for the Oceania championships next month.
"Brown belts Dylan Leney and Antoine Rahier will be preparing for Oceania. Finn Brown was also selected for Cairns, but won't be going because he cannot make his weight grade. Finn is ranked No1 under 55kg cadet, but will be stepping up to another weight grade. Dylan will be fighting in the cadet and junior men under 66kg grade while Antoine is in the cadet and junior men under 60kg class," Davies said.
