GRASP finish year in style

By Stephen Leonard

GRASP Martial Arts completed this year’s competitive programme on a high.

Indeed the Firhouse-based club gave a great account of themselves in this year’s Best of the Best Tournament in Roadstone Club with all their entrants winning their respective divisions.

Emma Dignam, in what is only her third outing on the kickboxing circuit, defeated bigger and heavier opposition on her way to the -60kg title.

“I’m very impressed with Emma’s performance” said GRASP Head Coach Liam Dale. “This year is her first in competition and the ‘Best of the Best’ was just her third-ever kickboxing tournament” he added.

Marissa McMillan gave an excellent account of herself in her two divisions, lifting the Senior +60kg prize and earning silver in the Masters class following a very tight contest.

Paul Maguire and Thomas Hunt contested a well-packed -80kg section and both chalked up two wins apiece on their way to meeting in the decider.

A very fast and technical contest saw Maguire emerge the winner on a 2-1 split decision. 

“This was a great match up for our club and I was particularly impressed with Paul as this was his first tournament after a long lay-off with a foot injury” said Dale.

Next up for the club will be the New Year Open in Citywest in January.