The Eastern Area Inter-Club taekwondo tournament took place in Northampton this year and Bungay battled to a brilliant medal tally and a creditable third place in the region.

This was achieved even with a diminished collection of competitors due to injuries and prior commitments.

Twenty-one medals in total were achieved by 16 fighters in all age groups. The junior (13-17) and Pee Wees (under 12) all performed well and they won a host of medals including gold for Reece Jordan, 12, in the sparring and silver in the patterns.

There was gold for Callum Read, 12, in the Pee Wee patterns whilst Ben Jordan, seven, won silver in the younger age range patterns. Kal Bedingfield, 14, won a great gold for patterns and silver for sparring. Oli Baylis, 16, won bronze for sparring and silver for patterns and his sister Saskia, 15, won silver for sparring and bronze for patterns. Sophie Akerman, 14, won a brilliant gold for patterns but her sister Jenna only just missed out on bronze by the narrowest of margins.

Denys Wooley, 14, fought hard for his bronze in sparring and Aaron Sampson, 16, put in a brave performance but lost to a much higher grade student. Adam Sloan, 13, also gained a fourth placing in the junior black belt patterns.

Fewer adults from the club were able to participate this weekend, but those who did achieved great results with Nidge Bedingfield winning gold for sparring and patterns whilst his wife, Suzie won double silver medals.

Club assistant instructor Martin Sloan won bronze for black belt sparring and instructors’ assistant Nicole Somerville won double bronze in the black belt sparring and patterns.

Finally, Clinton Gillett the club instructor won silver for patterns and gold for sparring to draw procedures to a close.

Steve King, the area fifth degree and senior, said: “Bungay did especially well and came third with a small group of competitors.

“Just think what would happen if they could have brought a full squad.”

The club is recruiting for new students at the moment so go along to the high school on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 7pm or contact Clinton Gillett on 01986 892140 for further details.

The youngest students in the club are six years old and there is no upper age limit.

Check out www.bungay-taekwondo.co.uk