Page 37 - issue03.05.2019

P. 37

Sport

MARTIAL ARTS

Maflin stands tall on podium in Munich

RAF BRAZILIAN Jiu Jitsu and Pan American championships and the other Canada. Both
star Flt Lt Jonathon Maflin has and the aim of elite status is to matches were very even for around
proved his gold medal class, compete at the highest level within eight minutes during which the
with a stunning win at the IBJJF a sport.” slightest mistake would have
Munich International Open. Since gaining black belt in seen the bout lost. I managed to
Maflin is currently ranked 54 September last year, he has dig deep in each match to get the
th
in the world, 11 in Europe and two not wasted time in achieving finish, winning the first with a
in the UK. some remarkable results. In bow and arrow gi choke and the
He won both his fights by December in UAEJJF Spanish final with a kneebar.
submission in the black belt Pro Championship he took gold “The aim was to win a gold
middleweight division. in Lightweight and Open weight. medal in order to help qualify for
Maflin who works in the elite He then followed that up with a the IBJJF World Championships
status system, trains and competes bronze at the IBJJF Dublin Open in June and to put in some good
full-time in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Open weight). In February performances before heading
(submission grappling) under the at the UAEJJF European Pro out to Abu Dhabi to compete at
banner of RAF Martial Arts and Championship, he took silver in the World Pro Championships.
RAF Sport. Middleweight followed by bronze So I am very happy with my
He said: “Winning IBJJF medals at the Poznan Open in March. performance.”
earns me world ranking points He said: “I had some tough
which are required in order for me matches against high level GOLDEN BOY: Maflin in action on his way
to qualify for the World, European opponents, with one from France to gold, above and right.

FOOTBALL
Semi clashes provide goals aplenty as Cup sets up cracking finals

IT WAS the business end of the after 20 minutes. Wittering Halton faced Brize, also at last season’s cup final defeat by avoiding penalties to settle the
RAF FA Cup and plate trophies keeper SAC Edwards then denied Cosford for the second semi- Coningsby, Finals Day on May 15 result, smasking in a further three
as the tournaments reached their Coningsby to keep the score to final, with Brize dominating at Oxford City. goals in extra-time to secure their
semi-final stages. 1-0 at the break. early on. The first plate semi-final at place in the final.
In the cup, Wittering hosted The hosts’ then stormed back SRT star Cpl Evans then Cranwell, saw Leeming take Odiham faced Honington at
Coningsby at Cosford and the in the second-period and levelled headed home to put his team on Wyton in a thrilling tie that Halton in the second fixture,
visitors opened the scoring through Cpl Young with a 20-yard into the lead. Halton pressed produced nine goals. which was a repeat of last year’s
from six yards from Cpl Braniff, curler. Coningsby reacted well valiantly but could not find a way Wyton had looked comfortable Plate final. A tighter affair than
following good work from SAC with SAC Brason scoring what through, with Brize looking fairly leading 3-1 at the half-time break, the opening clash Honington
Brason. would turn out to be the winner, comfortable. but Leeming levelled by full-time. won 2-1. They will be looking to
The goal was an immediate although the hosts went close With the final whistle As the only clash that required send off their manager FS Steve
response after Wittering had again in the final five minutes of sounding on the 1-0 win it means extra-time to decide the result, Harrison with a win in his final
struck a post at the other end the clash. Brize have a chance to avenge Honington wasted no time in game.

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