Academy coach Dave Coles has secured his place in the Amateur Grapple & Strike finals to be held in November, but unfortunately this has come at a price.
The Grapple & Strike event consists of three qualifying events held throughout the year with the finals comprised of the top 4 fighters in each category fighting a semi-final followed by the final. Each fight consists of 2 x four minute rounds. With two wins under his belt from the first event, Dave was unable to take part in the second qualifier due an elbow injury.
Coming into the last of the qualifying events Dave needed at least one win from his two fights to qualify for the finals. Dave defeated his first opponent with a figure 4 armlock at 3:30 of the first round.
During his second bout Dave suffered a freak injury. Following a brief exchange of punches, knees and kicks, Dave used a Judo throw to take his opponent to the floor. As Dave rolled his opponent in order to secure a hold-down, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. The referee halted the contest but with Dave unable to continue, the fight was awarded to his opponent and goes down as the first loss Dave has suffered in 14 amateur fights.
Following advice from the event medics, a subsequent visit to A&E confirmed that he had broken two ribs and faces a 4-6 week recovery period.
With only 11 weeks to the finals this is a serious setback in his preparation and the decision as the whether or not he will be able to defend the title he won last year will have to be made very shortly.
Results from the 3rd leg >here
2006 Final League Tables >here
