REDDITCH Thaitans have enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the year, with the juniors at the forefront.

The club’s junior team of Thai boxers, made up of George Rowand, 9, Ellie Pardy, 10, and Ethan Walkes, 10, were in imperious form at the Sandee British Championships.

They had booked their place in the competition through success at the northern tournament and maintained their momentum on the national stage.

Pardy had already secured her weight category by default because there were no opponents from the southern region in attendance, but she then stepped up to the next weight section and continued her domination.

Despite being up against fighters two kilograms heavier, she saw off her first opponent comfortably but then found the girl ranked number one in the UK a much tougher prospect.

The bout was evenly poised after two rounds but Pardy stepped it up in the third to secure victory and her second trophy of the day, as well as promoting her to the top of the rankings.

Walkes then avenged a final defeat in the northern tournament by taking the national title against an opponent from Manchester in the 52 kilogram section.

His hard work in the gym paid off as four weeks after his defeat, he saw off the same opponent on points to take the title and move to the top of the national standings.

Rowands then took on London-based Riley Smith, who he had lost to twice before but had continued to improve.

After a battle where both fighters had moments when they were on top, the judges' decision was split with each judge favouring either rivaland both were put forward to win a trip to train in Thailand.

Meanwhile, Adam Iwasniszewski fought recently in Coventry for the West Midlands Super Featherweight Area title.

Following three consecutive wins via first round knockout, he stepped up a class in Muay Thai to B class rules, which also allows knees to the head and is over five two-minute rounds.

Iwasniszewski faced Simon Forrest from Petchnoi gym in Northampton, and he secured another convincing win after second 74 seconds when he unleashed a devastating combination to secure victory and earn the Midlands title.

Thaitans also have a show in Redditch on May 3, at the Studley Road Social Club, with four members representing the club.

For more details, call 07956 430646 or visit www.thaitans.co.uk.

You can also email info@thaitans.co.uk.