BEN CRAGHILL took a gold medal when Kendal Judo Club sent a 17-strong squad to the North West Open Junior Championships at St Helens.

Flighting the best players from the region the team returned with a nine-medal haul.

At the under 12 age band, Kendal dominated the -38 kilo category with Craghill outclassing the rest for the gold, while Thomas Paisley and James Wright both took bronzes.

Leigh Dickinson took a bronze in the -26 kilo category with Laura Hogg securing a silver for the girls at -36 kilos.

Two more silvers came in the under 18 age band as Chris Miller (-42 kilos) and Mark Wilson (-66 kilos) stamped their authority on the competition.

Kierian Dann's spirited effort earned a bronze at -38 kilos along with Gavin Lews at -48 kilo.

Club members selected for the National Championships at Crystal Palace on November 4 are: Mark Wilson, Keiran Dann, Lee Thornborough, Chris Miller, Gavin Lewis, Danny Harper, Jamie Miller, Steven Rogan, Phillip Rogan, Bethany Hoggarth and Dawn Akrigg.