MEMBERS of the Basingstoke Su-Ha-Ri Karate School enjoyed success at the Wado International Karate-Do Federation European Karate Championships held in Nicosia, Cyprus.

The first day of competition was in the Kata and Worting’s Anthony Parmar was determined to improve on his fourth place last year.

He did this in style, taking gold in the under-10 category as he picked up the highest score in each round.

Kevin Crine contested the Masters Kata, despite being an ardent kumite competitor. After two close rounds, he finished second behind Greece’s Angelos Gorgas.

The next competition was in Kumite (sparring) and Lucas Spiers of Tadley was first to don the pads.

Taking part in the boys 10 to 11 years over-45kg class, he fought with style to take a bronze.

Old Basing’s Sibi Kumara contested the 10 to 11 years category, but he was fell victim to the heat.

He tried his hardest, but was unable to attain his normal level.

Miles Keates fought with great strategy to take silver in the boys 14 to 15 years under-70kg category.

Winklebury’s Jim Feighery-Murphy took part in the senior’s event and unfortunately this was not to be his year.

He was suffering from a recurring bad ankle and severe kidney pain but held it together long enough to win bronze in the heavyweight category.

The following day saw the three-man team events, which meant Spiers and Kumara teamed up with Luke Wales to represent England in the 10 to 11 years category.

They won the early rounds without losing a single fight to set up a final against Denmark.

Spicers won and Wales drew, meaning Kumara had to win or draw to win the title for his team.

After suffering from the heat on the Saturday and underperforming, the Old Basing fighter was keen to set the record straight.

He was losing for most of the fight, but scored a head kick in the final seconds to win and make sure his team claimed gold.

The achievements of the English senior men’s team were a highlight of the competition.

The injured Feighery-Murphy benched himself for the good of the team, which meant coach Kevin Crine had to don his gi one more time, teaming up with Ben Hackett and Gavin Bailey.

After several close rounds and a narrow 2-1 victory in the final, they were crowned European Champions.

Overall, English fighters took 15 gold, 12 silver and nine bronze medals to finish second in the medal table, behind host nation Cyprus.

Crine, the England team coach, said: “I’m very proud of the whole team. Out of 29 competitors, 27 returned home with medals. Although it’s not about winning, this does show the level of the squad.

“Sibi Kumara did well to hold his team together and for Anthony Parmar to come back so much stronger than last year shows great character.”

Basingstoke Su-Ha-Ri trains at Basingstoke Sports Centre on Fridays from 6.45pm to 7.45pm and at Tadley swimming pool from 6pm to 7pm on Wednesdays.

For more information, contact Jon Wicks on 01252 326498 or visit su-ha-ri.co.uk.