JERSEY judo’s preparations for a return to Island Games action are showing signs of great improvement as the players gain in experience.

Andrew Day attended the Hampshire split grade championships in Portsmouth recently and won both his under 81 kg contests to claim the gold medal. Both the contests, against players graded, white, yellow and orange belts, were won with big throws that gained ippons (full scores). Day will not be able to defend his title next year as he has now successfully gained his green belt and will have to enter a higher category.

Team manger Tony Palmer (pictured) said: ‘This win shows that all the training and hard work has not gone to waste. It gives the team a real boost – Andy has raised the bar for the rest of the squad.’

Players from both Island clubs, Jersey JC and Torakan JC, have been attending events designed to help them compete well in the Island Games in Aland next year.

• Picture: Jersey judo team manager Tony Palmer