GEMMA VOWLES put Marshalswick Judo Club on the map with a gold medal at the Kent BJA International championships.

Vowles produced a superb display to bring a gold medal back to St Albans after seeing off opposition from England, France, Germany, Greece and Holland.

She was given a tough start in the preliminary rounds and having battled her way through to the knockout stages, came up against the Dutch national 61K1 champion.

But the Beaumont School pupil was not about to be denied her big moment and won convincingly to secure one of two medals for Marshalswick.

The other went to Becky Holohan in the Over 61K1 class, where she also reached the latter stages of a tough competition.

Holohan eventually lost in the semi-finals, but also got one over on top European opposition when she beat the French national champion to finish third and take home a bronze medal.

Marshalswick Judo Club coach Doug Seabrook said: 'Both girls did extremely well in an event which included so many very good competitors from other countries.

'This shows the level of commitment both competitors have made to take medals at this level.'

There was more Marshalswick success at the Welsh National Championships in Cardiff, where young Lauren Baverstock picked up a bronze.

The talented ten-year-old Oakwood School pupil found herself up against a much older field, yet still swept through the Under 40K1class to finish third.

Anyone who is interested in joining their successful set-up should call Doug Seabrook on 01727 847550.