COWDENBEATH SK2000 and their sister club, Fife East Neuk, travelled to Whitburn to compete in their 2017 Junior championships last week and came back with a haul; of trophies.

The championships are designed for young fighters to give them experience but there are also fights involving higher junior grades also.

Clubs from all over Scotland attended the event and the Fife teams headed to the tournament with a large group of young fighters and supporters.

For many it was their first every fight and local fighters Harrison Fugue, Cullen Kirby, Mhairi Kirby and Luke Shields, all from the young Tei Tigers class, gave a great account of themselves with Luke winning third place in his first ever tournament .

Cody Clarke, Carla Young, Cameron Mackay and the fantastic kicking Anya Renwick, again fought well but missed out on the finals later on in the day although gaining great experience.

Next up was Mel Young who won third place in her group as did Louise Cunningham who is improving with every tournament and was unlucky not to win her section.

Elise Bauld was up next in a huge section, made up of mainly boys . Elise fought with her usual high tempo and just missed out on the title having to settle for third place overall but a great warm up for her as she has a big fight in Penrith next week were she will against England's best .

Emma Duncan was fighting in the higher graded section, and fought brilliantly again just missing out on the title but an excellent third place was secured from a very difficult group.

Jade Young and James Grant then went one better and lost in their respective finals, both showing great skill and endeavour to both obtain silver medal placings.

The final two fighters were again girls, with Robin Ironside again showing tremendous kicking ability to sweep away all opponents in her section and she is looking like a future prospect for the national team.

Last was Sammi Maxwell fighting in the girls black belt section.

Sammi gave her usual all action display and won the section's Gold Medal .This was a great warm up for event for Sammi who travels to Cologne next week to fight in the German Open along with some of her club mates .

Coach Gordon Maxwell commented: "Some great performances from all the young fighters, many fighting for their first time .

"They are the future of our group and are a credit to their instructors Ben Smith, Allan Goodwin, Steve MacKay and Kirsty McAlpine, who work tirelessly in coaching and developing these young people .

"The coaches, plus a large group of parents and supporters attended this event and we would like to thank them for their efforts and support . "

Next up for the club is the German Open, then the Irish Open in April were the groups more experienced fighters will be entering.

The Cowdenbeath club operates out of it's own purpose built gym on Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, and new members, regardless of age or ability are always welcome, contact 07904422968 or just drop in for advice on joining etc. For anyone from the East Fife coastal area, Steve McKay has classes in Cellardyke on a Monday and Thursday evening, again contact 07904422968 for information .