THERE was plenty of Dutch courage as Cowdenbeath Karate Club sent a team of fighters to Zwolle in Holland.

They were taking part in the annual Pepper Cup, a top international tournament that's held over one day and featured many of Europe's finest.

The Fifers put in serious preparation ahead of the contest, with weeks of training behind them, and the tournament sponsors arranged an elite match between Holland’s best fighters and the Cowdenbeath team as the main event.

And the battling Scots got the upper hand, winning the team challenge event 3-2.

Up first though was young Cole Webster who blasted through the early rounds to set up a final against a German opponent.

After trailing for most of the contest he stepped up a gear and won the gold medal in spectacular fashion.

Club mate Luke Shields also fought well, improving with every fight to win a bronze in his section with some determined displays.

Both boys also won their matches in the team that defeated the Dutch side 3-2.

Instructor Ben Smith was next and after five fights he took home the silver medal in his section.

The last fighter standing was Sammi Maxwell, who only makes rare appearances on the circuit due to work commitments.

But there weren't any signs of rustiness as she won silver in her event and then fought in the Open Weight cash event.

Her sister Melissa had won this event last year, with arguably the best performance seen at this arena, but Sammi made her own mark.

Fighting with great determination and skill, she ensured there'll be sibling rivalry about who's the best after battling to victory.

There were a few tough and bruising matches along the way but Sammi is now the 2023 Pepper Cup Grand champion.

Instructor Allan Goodwin said: “A great performance by all the team to travel to Holland and put on the display they did.

"Young Cole Webster was probably our best fighter on the day but also a mention to Sammi whose attitude and spirit is an example to us all.

"As a youngster she was a prolific fighter and talent, winning all national and most of the international titles, but as always in karate you get older and life gets in the way as we find jobs and families so the fighter can’t train as much!

"However she has great resolve and thrives under pressure also she is a great coach to the young members.

"A huge thanks to local councillor Alex Campbell and Fife Council for their support and helping finance the team to go, affording the guys an opportunity of a lifetime.

"We totally appreciate your support and backing so huge thanks for giving us the change to put Cowdenbeath on the map across Europe."

After returning from Holland the club were back on the UK circuit and Elena Gay won bronze for her excellent kata display at the Scottish Open.

The fighters then travelled to Penrith for the local club's championships and there were bronze medals for Cole Webster, Clay Webster, RJ Aitken and Luke Shields.

Elize Bauld struck gold in a tight final and Anna Smith fought superbly to take home bronze and gold medals in her categories.

That added to a string of recent wins on the circuit for the British champ.

Instructor Allan Goodwin returned to the fighting circuit after a short absence and won all his bouts convincingly to win the adult title.

Fellow instructor Gordon Maxwell said: “Well done to all for their efforts today. Some days it works for you, others it can fall short.

"It's how the fighter deals with this and deals with the pressure which will determine how far they can go in the sport.

"They should be proud of their efforts. Allan did great today and led by example but young Anna Smith is starting to show she can go onto an even higher level if she can keep improving, learning and developing her karate.

"Finally a big thanks to MSD Taxis for their continued support."