Handel retains gold

RHYS Handel retained his Hermee Cup International Judo crown with gold in Belgium this month.

The 12 year old Welshpool High School student travelled to Liege as part of a 30 strong Welsh squad for the sixth annual Hermee Cup and returned home with a gold medal for a second year in succession.

Handel is a product of the Welshpool and Llanfyllin based AJ Judo Club.

Hughes helps Wales to European top spot

DREW Hughes helped Wales to European Pool Championship glory in Yorkshire last week.

The Newtown pool star headed to Bridlington as part of the Wales squad which swept to group victories over the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Belgium, Cyprus, Holland and Malta before defeats to England and Scotland left Wales in the play-offs.

Wales stormed to a 13-5 victory over the Republic of Ireland to set-up a semi-final with a much fancied England.

Wales had trailed 5-1 before a great fightback ensured a 13-8 victory and a final meeting with Malta.

A thrilling final saw the Welsh 6-1 ahead before trailing 11-10 with Hughes, Michael Howe and Craig Marsh winning the next three frames as Wales were crowned European champions.

Hughes also handed World No1 Neil Raybone a fright in the last 16 of the PDA Champions Cup before slipping to a 6-4 defeat.

Hughes said: “I am very proud to have helped Wales get back to the top of the three. All this has given me confidence for the season ahead.”

Hughes will travelling to Cyprus for the Nations Cup later in the year with sponsorship currently being sought.

“Thanks to Kevin Mitchell at KJM Forestry and the Montgomeryshire Sports Council for their support.

“Without such generosity I wouldn’t be a European champion again.”