NORFOLK punch was the proud preserve for York judo ace Rob Thomas.

The one-time top-ranked heavyweight in Great Britain returned to the arena for the first time since breaking his collarbone last autumn to be crowned European champion in the open division of the Multi-Masters event staged in Norfolk.

The 37-year-old York ace, who was primarily using the event as a warm-up to his dream tilt at the World Masters in Japan in two months' time, exceeded all his expectations.

He fought off a series of challenges to win the open division, which he added to a silver medal he had earlier collected for runners-up spot in his weight category.

Thomas could not contain his delight at his shock Euro conquest.

"I'd have been quite happy to go there and win a few bouts, but to come away with a European Masters' title and a silver medal as well, I just can't believe it. It's fantastic," enthused the man, who only ended his own exile from the sport last year after being enticed by the burgeoning Masters' circuit.

That 2002 return had been blighted by the collarbone he fractured during a tournament in Ireland. But with the incentive of gaining a tilt at this year's World Masters in Japan, Thomas never doubted he would be back and was further boosted by showing no reaction to the crippling injury.

What he did not expect was such a stunning one-two of success in his first outing of the new season.

"To do so well in the first competition of my comeback almost left me speechless. I just think it's a tribute to all those people who have helped me since I announced I was going to have a go at the World Masters championships," he added.

Thomas was not resting on his laurels, however.

Today he returned to training at Emperor's Gymnasium in Skeldergate, his sights now focused on the High Wycombe Masters in mid-May before realising his long-held ambition of fighting in the land of the rising sun - the birthplace of martial arts - the following month.

Updated: 11:29 Wednesday, April 09, 2003