ITC International Open 2019.
North Solihull leisure centre.
Sunday 23rd June, could the Stratford team continue their winning streak?
Demi Barnett , Sky Barnett , Billy Barnett and Harry Hancox were competing together again. After an early start for the Stratford quartet, it was down to business.
Billy and Harry were competing in the merged patterns group together, this was U16 white belt to green belt. The umpires here were using the card system, competitors were on the mat on their own, best score wins! Harry was drawn first, with no nerves he finished his Dan-Gun pattern and waited for his score, with no mistakes the scores were recorded. Billy was then on the mat, performing a great Do-San. The boys had to wait then for another 10 competitors to complete their patterns. It was worth the wait, Harry took the Gold and Billy took the Silver!
Also competing together in another big merged group Blue belt to Black tag U16, Demi and Sky were up. Sky first with a super controlled display of her new pattern. Demi up fourth, scoring very highly and just pipped at the post, Demi took the Silver medal for Stratford. Sky just missing out on the medals this time.
With the team collecting their medals from the podium, and a long 5 hour wait, sparring was now on the agenda.
Billy up first in his continuous sparring category, winning each of his matches he found himself in the final. This was a tough test with a very good Green belt, Billy lead from the start and took a convincing Gold medal. With only 5 minutes rest, Billy was back on the mat. This time in points stop sparring, again with a brilliant display Billy took yet another Gold and his third medal of the day!
Harry’s turn now in point stop sparring. In a very close and tough first match Harry won 3-2. Time then for the U7 final, Harry lost out on gold with but picked up his second medal of the day, a Super Silver.
Sky Barnett was called to action next, using her side kick to full effect she cruised through her first matches. Reaching the final she faced a tough competitor, switching strategy she scored with a series of well timed blitzes. Her competitor unable to defend, taking Sky to the top spot of the podium and another Gold!
Demi, 11yrs old was the final competitor for Stratford, she was facing girls up to 14 in her merged category. Dominant in her first match, with an unstoppable sequence of 3 point shots and movement around the floor. Time for the final, giving away height, weight and 3 years Demi showed her skill and power. Gold for Demi and taking the tally on the day to 5 Gold and 3 Silver for the Stratford squad!
An incredible result for all once more, Well done Stratfords excellent juniors !
