Hayes and Yiewsley School Success at UKITF Scottish Championships

Matthew Brunger- Gold in Patterns, Gold in Sparring

Laurie Cornwell- Gold in Patterns, Gold in Sparring

Jamie McAvoy- Gold in Patterns, Gold in Sparring

Luke Dempsey- Silver in Sparring

Jay Gilbert- Gold in Patterns, Silver in Sparring

Aaron Mather- Siler in Patterns, Gold in Sparring

Ryan Hamdy- Gold in Patterns, Silver in Sparring



After an early start to the day, members from region 1 Trenic-TKD embarked on their journey to compete at the UKITF Scottish Championships 2012. Being the final selection process in a circuit of 6 running competition it was an opportunity for those qualified to secure their positions and those still in the process the chance to fight for their place in the top two seeded positions. Travelling up from region 1 were Matthew Brunger, Laurie Cornwell, Luke Dempsey, Jamie McAvoy, Jay Gilbert, Aaron Mather, Ryan Hamdy and umpire and supporter Terry Humphries.

Up first and competing in adult male patterns was Matthew Brunger in the joint 4th and 5th degree division. In a tough draw against Mr McCabe, Mr Brunger set a positive start to region 1’s medal tally securing an early win. This was followed quickly by Miss Cornwell who again demonstrated both her power and technical knowledge to beat her
competitions of to win first place.

Representing region 1 in the 3rd Degree pattern category was Luke Dempsey and Jamie McAvoy. In a very strong and competitive division Mr McAvoy took the gold medal, working his way round after round against stiff competition. Mr Dempsey fell just short of the medal positions however providing the audience with an excellent display of tul work. For our ladies in the 3rd Degree division it was up to JayGilbert to continue to carry our medal haul forward. After showcasing someimpressive pattern work through each round, Jay dominated her division securing first place.

Our youngest member to travel alongside us to Scotland was Aaron Mather. Approaching his opportunity to compete in the world champions, he was out to impress with his patterns. Although showing determination and very sharp patterns, Aaron fell short of first place however winning a much deserved silver medal.

Once all pattern categories were finished it was time for the region 1 competitors to pad up and continue their medal run through the sparring. This was once again an opportunity for each student to display the hard hours of training they have put into their training and determination to make the England squad. Up first was Mr McAvoy who had to move up a category to prove his place in the team. After some hard fights against experienced, seasoned fighters Jamie went on to win his division. A great finish to his tournament. Similarly Matthew was quick to add a second gold to his Scottish medal tally against Danny Welland, in which was a very technical and determined fight

between long term competitive rivals. This was a great display of Taekwon-Do by both region 1 competitors.

The final degree adult male to compete in sparring was Luke Dempsey. After battling through a hard first fight Luke reached the finals against Reece Nicholls. Although putting up a hard fight the experience of Mr Nicholls shone through and claimed the gold, leaving Luke to settle for second place. This can only leave him more determined for their next meeting.

Up for the ladies and battling a stiff cold as well as tough competition was Laurie Cornwell. After a loss in her last competition, Miss Cornwell was out to prove herself as the number 1 seed in the middle weight division, and did so in exceptional fashion. Her strong, forward and fast paced sparring style continued her through two rounds to eventually claim the gold. Also representing region 1 for the ladies was Miss Jay Gilbert. Against her long standing rival Nicola Barke, Jay was unable to secure her second gold of the competition and had to accept the silver medal. This was once again a solid performance, leaving her more eager and determined for the next event. Representing in the junior category was Aaron Mather who at the age of only 14 was competing for a spot in the England team. Although lacking in experience, his hard training, determination and fitness paid off as he overcome his competitors to win that number one spot on the podium.

Also travelling up to Scotland was 1Kup Ryan Hamdy. After a foot injury in the recent Welsh ChampionshipsRyan showed his perseverance and indomitable spirit by stepping back into the ring so quickly. Ryan performed well in the tul category taking an early win in the blue to red belt patterns, boosting his confidence for the sparring to come. Padded up and raring to go Ryan was called up to compete against his Scottish rival competitor. After a very close match the decision went against him, leaving Ryan to take the silver. Although Ryan did not win, the experience gained will help to drive him forward to train even harder for his next event match up.

Well done to all those that made the effort to travel up to Scotland and compete and of course a thank you to all the organisers andumpires that aided to the smooth and efficient running of the competition.