BASINGSTOKE Kickboxing Organisation enjoyed success at the Watford Open National tournament.

This is one of the largest and most prestigious tournaments in the British kickboxing calendar, with fighters attending from several European countries including Hungary, Czech Republic, Italy, Austria and Germany.

The Basingstoke club took a team of 15 fighters to compete in various categories, including points and light continuous fighting.

Curtis Sharkey fought to the semi finals in the beginners’ men’s section and then moved up to the intermediate men’s class, where he won the outright title against some very tough opponents.

Neil Jepson took on all comers in the men’s continuous section and after some gruelling bouts, he also reached the final, where he narrowly lost.

Despite training for less than a year, Vinnie Turner entered the men’s veterans’ black belt category.

He reached the semi-final but had to settle for third place. However, he then went one better in the men’s beginners section, taking second place.

Michelle Reese finished third in both the ladies novice and ladies intermediate classes, while five other members of the club collected third-place finishes.

They were: Kat Dhillon (ladies intermediate continuous sparring); Kerry Anderson (ladies novice); Steve Moore (men’s lightweight continuous); George Peploe (men’s seniors); Ron Peploe (men’s veterans).