Synwell boxers reach semi-finals of national championships

2:05pm Thursday 28th February 2008

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THE new year has seen Synwell ABC boxers very active with 13-year-olds Jake Heal and Billy Aldridge, and 14-year-old Jack Andrews representing the club at the start of the Golden Gloves National Championships.

The first competition in the series was the Northern Area Divisional Championships, incorporating all clubs within Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Bristol. The venue was the National Smelting Club Headquarters at Avonmouth, Bristol.

In action were Andrews and Heal. With no opponent for Aldridge, he automatically qualified to box in the next championship round.

Andrews was first in the ring, his opponent was Oliver Crippens of Weston-super-Mare ABC. After inflicting a two-handed attack causing his opponent to defend continually for the full three rounds, Andrews was awarded the points victory.

Heal's opponent was Rahim Nanji of Walcot ABC, Swindon. Both boxers were skilful and strong, with Heal driving the fast moving Nanji onto his back foot from where he counter-punched Heal as he moved in. After three hard rounds Heal was announced the winner with a unanimous points victory.

With the three boxers having qualified for the Western County Championships this time it was Andrews who obtained a bye to the next championship round (Southern Area). The Western County area incorporates all clubs from the Northern area together with clubs from Devon, Cornwall and the Channel Islands.

Aldridge boxed first, his opponent was Joshua Mason from Bideford ABC. In the three rounds, Aldridge dominated his opponent with continual pressure and superior skills controlling the contest throughout to record a well deserved points victory.

Next in the ring was Heal, who faced Caleb Johnson from Poole ABC, a favourite to win the competition. This didn't seem to worry the Synwell boxer who, like his team-mate, dominated the contest, and created many problems for the skilful, hard-hitting Johnson, to record a points victory.

The next step towards the National titles was the Southern Area Championships. This quarter-final competition involves all the winners of the Western Counties Championships and the winners from the South East Counties Championships. The venue for this occasion was Broad Plain ABC at the Riverside Centre, Bristol.

This time it was Heal who had to sit at ringside as no South Eastern opponent was available. This gave Heal automatic selection to the semi-finals to be held at Aldershot.

Aldridge's opponent was Kieron Rodden of Moneyfields ABC, Portsmouth. With continued pressure and an effective defence, by the end of the second round Aldridge was ahead on points.

The third round saw a slip in Aldridge's concentration, and his determined opponent took full advantage of the situation, by finding a way through the Synwell boy's guard, giving the Moneyfield's boxer the necessary points to claim victory.

Andrews' opponent was Brett Johnson of Moneyfields ABC. From the beginning of the first round the superior strength and fitness was evident from the Synwell boxer, forcing his Moneyfields opponent backwards, scoring points from head and body punches.

But Johnson was resilient, counter-punching the insistent Andrews as he made his attacks. After a close contest Andrews was awarded the points victory.

The remaining two Synwell boxers travelled to Aldershot for the semi-finals against opponents boxing for the London and Eastern Counties.

Heal's opponent was Luke Keller of Repton ABC, Andrews' opponent was Chris Edwards of Newham ABC. In what were hard-fought contests, both boys showed great courage and determination. Unfortunately it was not enough to take them to the final, with both losing on points decisions.

There is an opportunity to see all three boys in action, together with their clubmates, at the Synwell ABC Open Tournament to be held at the Lister Hall, Dursley, on Saturday, March 15. Doors open 6.30pm, boxing starts 7.30pm. Tickets £5 on door, bar plus food available.