Castle Douglas Judo Club is celebrating after scooping two silver medals from the Strathkelvin Open Judo Championships in Cumbernauld on Sunday.
Henry Stovell, aged 10, and nine-year-old Kester Moodie, both from Borgue, contested in the Mon category of the development competition.
Both only took up the sport in the autumn and achieved their red belts in December.
The Borgue duo faced competition from across Scotland, including youngsters on the Scotland national development track, and gave a good account of themselves against strong opposition.
Henry took to the mat first and with only one other competitor in his weight class it was a best of three contest.
Despite scoring a waza-ari in a hotly contested first match, Stovell eventually lost the first and second game to ippon.
Kester faced three experienced competitors in his weight class (38-42kg) and started brightly, winning his first round robin match by ippon as the clock ran out. The second match saw a reversal of fortunes, as he lost by ippon in the dying seconds after putting up a resilient performance against the eventual contest winner.
He had a slower start to his third and final match but recovered brightly and held his opponent to achieve another ippon.
Coach Maxwell Alder, from Dumfries, was delighted by their performance.
He said: “This was a higher level competition than Judokas usually debut at.
“The experience will stand the pair in good stead for future opens.
“It’s hoped their success will encourage more youngsters to try the martial art.”
Kester’s mum Laura is a keen supporter of the club.
She said: “It would be great to get more kids coming along, especially girls.
“It a great wee club and fun to be a part of.”
Castle Douglas Judo Club meets on Wednesday nights from 7.20pm in Castle Douglas Community Centre.
Contact Luke Struthers at castledouglasjudoclub@gmail.com for further information.
