This years PSUK Judo Championships was hosted by the Merseyside Police on Saturday the 6th September, at I. M. March Campus Liverpool JMU University.  With the  City celebrating it’s Capital of Culture 08, year,  all participants and guest stayed at the newly refurbished Adelphi Hotel in it’s grandeur and opulence .

The day’s competition was one of huge throws, excitement and great sportsmanship. Thankfully this year there were no serious injuries and the competition was well attended by representatives from 27 forces from England, Scotland and Wales.

Two players shone out through the days intensive competition, in the men’s competition it was Avon and Somerset’s, Sam Delahey, who won the men’s under 90 kg category without apparently breaking sweat. But it was in the open weigh category that in my opinion the throw of the tournament was made by Sam. His opponent was an officer from the West Mids who weighed in at 126 kgs and stood a good 4 inches taller. Sam dispatched him with a huge pick up that received a round of applause from all the spectators and also afterwards from his opponent.

The other outstanding player of the day was Kate Harris from the West Mids, who fought with the determination and class of a true champion throughout the tournament. She demonstrated a true fighting spirit that resonated throughout all her fights.
In addition to the below winners there is also a presentation to the judo player who has contributed most on the day and demonstrated the will and determination to win coupled with skill and sportsmanship. This year the Brian Rollings trophy was presented to Jason Moore from Grampian.

Overall the competition generated some spectacular throws that have been captured on a DVD of the day. The success of the day was down to the dedication of the Merseyside Police organising team and in particular Les Mercer, Mark Brew and Gavin Dick.
Merseyside now passes the baton of success and the next tournament to North Wales police.