They battled to the semi-final where they lost after having led 2-0 with three contests remaining.

The performance still earned the team a bronze medal in an event that attracted teams from France Belgium and Holland.

The team consisted of under-66kg Aaron Pearce, U73kg Colin Oates, U81kg Robin Smith, U90kg and over- 90kg Thomas Turner, and all the players contributed valuable wins throughout the day.

As expected Oates remained unbeaten but the throw of the day came from Aaron Pearce who caught his French opponent with a fabulous hip throw.

The previous day Gemma Moore, 12, had fought in an individual event and comfortably took the gold medal at the U48kg category.

The young Kumo star will be overseas again this week when she travels to Marcinelle in Belgium for another competition.

While the Kumo men were in France, British masters champion Clare Moore took silver at the High Wycombe Masters and earned another 20 points towards her second dan black belt, only losing to fomer Great Britain international Diane White in a close contest.

* Kuk Sool Won of Botesdale brought home six medals from the Scottish Tournament in Edinburgh.

Toby Bell-Tye fought hard in the 11-12 year old category coming out with the gold for forms, silver for techniques (missing first by only two points) and bronze for sparring.

His father Paul managed fourth place in all three of his categories, forms, techniques and staff spinning.

The club will hope to do just as well at this weekend's European championships.

Anyone who would like more details about the club should contact Mike Stannard, 07767 398465.