KATE Walker finished a fine seventh at the European Under 23 Championships in Croatia.

Kidderminster’s Samurai club star, just back from the Junior World Championships in Bangkok, was competing at this event for the first time at the age of 19.

Walker came up against the number one from each country after a bye in the first round.

Against a tough French player, Walker dominated for a while but was caught on the ground by her opponent who turned her over onto her back.

The referees deemed the move to be a throw and gave it a maximum score, ending the contest and the French woman eventually won bronze.

With Walker back into the repechage contests, she launched waves of attacks against a Serbian, finishing with a maximum-point score.

She then faced a highly-rated Danish player and kept the contest tight before being awarded the contest unanimously after extra-time.

Both players picked up minor scores with Walker’s the result of a fine backwards throw.

But she then found her experienced Portuguese opponent, three times a European champion and an eventual bronze medallist, too strong and was caught with a fine throw.

Of the 14 British competitors, one in each weight, Walker finished fourth highest, a pleasing result as she has three more years at the level.

For details about starting judo or on the Samurai club, call 0776-1122977 or visit samurai.org.uk.