for a non scoring technique, coach Dave Coles requested the intervention of the chief referee, who subsequently overruled the decision. Small repeatedly appeared to score, indeed the assistant referee indicated as such, only to be over ruled by the main referee. Time ran out leaving Small to fight for the bronze medal.
In the fight off for the bronze Small faced his old adversary Mark Goddard. The pair have fought many times in the past with Small always the victor.
The form book was not to be upset with Small showing great grappling skill, securing his points via ground holds and throws.
In the final Cooter put in an impressive performance, despite giving being significantly outweighed by his opponent, he was narrowly defeated (0 3) and so collected a hard earned silver medal.
Eighteen year old Michael Gummery collected the bronze medal in the senior mens under 71 kilo, open grade category. Gummery displayed a wide range of skills throughout the day and progressed to the quarter final. After a furious onslaught by his opponent the youngster quickly found himself 7 0 down. Gummery then made an unbelievable comeback, producing a massive pick up throw to score 5 points and quickly following this up scoring with punches, kicks and finally a hold-down to win the fight 10 7.
In the semi-final Gummery faced a very experienced Ju-Jutsu and Submission fighter, and despite a game performance he was narrowly defeated.
In the fight off for the bronze medal the fighters were very evenly matched with Gummery securing a hold down to score 3 points to take a very hard earned Bronze medal.
Nick Russell, also competed in the senior mens under 71 kilo, open grade category. Unfortunately the draw was not kind to him and he faced Pat Carr in his first contest.
Carr is undefeated in Ju-Jutsu Kumite for over five years, and despite a valiant effort Nick was defeated.
Academy instructor Simon Small and student Dave Cooter were on opposite sides of the draw in the open weight category. Dave, who only took up the sport 8 months ago, progressed to the semi final where he faced a Ju-Jitsu Black belt. In the early stages of the fight Dave used his reach advantage to good effect, scoring 3 points with a combination of punches and kicks. Unable to level the scores his opponent became increasingly frustrated, and after 2 warnings for illegal techniques was disqualified, allowing Dave to progress to the final.
Academy coach Dave Coles competed in the -95 kg category and was looking to make it a grand slam of Gold medals, having already taken 5 Championship titles at area events this year. Coles made light work of his opponents, winning his fights inside the distance and conceding only 1 point on his way to the national title.
On the other side of the draw Simon was having 'a bad referee day'. After trailing 0-3 in the early stages of the fight Small appeared to have scored several times with punching and kicking techniques, but no score was given. When Small's opponent was awarded a further three points
