The Sharks faced tough opposition and each weight group was packed with wrestlers from England, Wales and further afield coming to enter.

The event will stay in the memories of those that participated and club coach Mohammad Ali said: "The Irish Open is one of the most important events in our calendar and the juniors prepare well because they know that it's a hard tournament. I'm particularly satisfied with the performance of our young people and we returned with a high percentage of medals."

Mohammad also quick to point out that this type of success does not come easily and it often requires years of hard work and dedication to obtain the required skills.

The McCrossan brothers, Matthew and Andrew, are two youths who have applied themselves in this manner and their father, Paul, who doubles up as the club administrator said: "Both of the boys have come home with medals and they deserve it. At the moment, they train at least three evenings per week without a word of complaint."

Recently the Sharks hosted the Northern Ireland Closed Wrestling Championships at the old Clondermot High School, Waterside and Mohammad Ali said: "Since its introduction to the city two years ago the Olympic and Commonwealth sport of freestyle wrestling has grown rapidly, we have two strong clubs in the Waterside and we're looking for the right opportunity on the cityside."

The Sharks have a beginners' class every Thursday evening at the YMCA in Drumahoe and further information is available at www.watersidesharks.com

The results from the Irish Open are as follows: Gold – Gracious Phillips, Andrew McCrossan and Ben Pollin, Silver – Scott Kennedy, Bronze – Lewis Kennedy and Matthew McCrossan.