Cobras make their strike

COBRAS (l-r) Helen O’Donnell, Tanya O’Donnell, Stewart Pearson, Jason Pearson, Donna Cox, Kevin Armitage. Not on photo: Adam O’Donnell and Andy Pearson.

MEMBERS of recently formed Cobra Karate Club displayed plenty of venom at the National All Styles Tournament in Birmingham.

The nine members came away from the Cocksmoor Woods Leisure Centre with 11 medals, three gold, three silver and five bronze. And to prove that karate is a sport for all ages, the span of the medal winners was between 11 and 43 years.

Adam O’Donnell (19) captured a bronze even though he was not scheduled to compete.

O’Donnell, who had not trained for two years, went along as a spectator but was persuaded to take part in the male open class.

Kevin Armitage collected two golds and there was also a gold and bronze for Andy Pearson.

Stewart and Jason Pearson each won a silver while there was a silver and two bronzes for Tanya O’Donnell.

Finally bronzes were won by Donna Cox and Adam O’Donnell.

Cobra was formed in February by Chadderton’s Andy Pearson and Helen O’Donnell who is from Rochdale.

The club, which trains at bases in Shaw, Limeside, Milnrow and Rochdale, has 60 members aged from five years. Contact Helen O’Donnell on 079279 78614 or 01706 356753.