Two silvers in judo

New Zealand came away with two silver medals in the Commonwealth Games judo today.

In the mens under-73kg division final, Adrian Leat fought gamely all the way but had to bow in the end to Englishman Danny Williams. And in the womens under-70kg division final, Moira de Villiers was beaten by Englishwoman Megan Fletcher.

After Williams imposed an early waza-ari, Leat was always struggling to get back to level pegging.

It was tough from the beginning, Leat said. He came out strong and I was playing catch-up.

In the end I was trying to get that big one. He played his game well; he knew my strengths.

Leat nevertheless had a very good day, winning four bouts impressively to make the final. He said it was the fittest he had been for a major competition and he was heartened by his results.

It has been a long day. Even with the gap between sessions, it is draining mentally. Youre on an adrenalin high all day, and nerves play a big part.

Leat dedicated his performance at the games to his brother Alister, also a champion judoka, who committed suicide last February.

Alister is certainly in my mind when Im competing, he said. Its tough, its really, really tough at times. In fact, I have to try really hard not to think about him too much. I definitely had him in my mind all day.

De Villiers was up against an accomplished opponent in Fletcher, who looked strong and technically very efficient.

After two minutes she scored an ippon, thereby ending the bout.

De Villiers was kicking herself afterwards. She felt it was a mistake of hers that had let in the Englishwoman. However, she did well to reach the final, scoring two good wins, including a really gruelling battle against her perennial rival, Australian Catherine Arscott.