THE Combat Academy Karate team in Hereford claimed a large haul of medals at the English Contact Karate Association (ECKA) Bletchley Dragons Interclub tournament in Milton Keynes.

The competition hosted seven clubs from within the ECKA and featured disciplines of semi contact point fighting and light continuous kick boxing.

A total of 18 members from the Combat Academy took part and, for some, it was their first ever competition.

The club won 31 trophies overall from 18 fighters, including 14 gold, 10 silver and seven bronze.

The gold medallists in the semi contact category were Aiden Huttel, Erin Edwards, Craig Huttel, Ryan Edwards, Chelle Banes, Declan Barrett and Ryan Hill, while Mantas Saulevicious, Kyle Huttel and Daniel Gwynne claimed silver.

Bronze medals were awarded to Liam Gwynne, Josh Small, Kay Parker and Darren Huttel.

The light continuous medals went to Aiden Huttel (gold), Josh McMillan (gold), Kyle Huttel (gold), Liam Gwynne (gold), Daniel Gwynne (gold), Ryan Hill (gold), Mantas Saulevicious (silver), Eerin Edwards (silver), Craig Huttel (silver), Ryan Edwards (silver), Lisa Huttel (silver), Declan Barrett (silver), Aimee Farley-Higgs, Chelle Banes (bronze) and Simon Day (bronze).

"For some of the team it was their first ever competition, for others their first time in a new discipline and three of them stepping up in to adult divisions for the first time, so a lot of new experiences for the team," said coach Simon Small.

"They were not phased by this one bit and every member of the team won fights and got placed in the top three showing great spirit, skill and determination at an exceptional level, with amazing team spirit and support from family and friends."

For for information about the club, call Simon Small on 07710 775416 or email hckc@hotmail.com