Heavyweight Cross loses close call

Boxing

Ashford heavyweight Luke Cross missed out on his first Kent Senior Novice Developmental Championship title when he lost a split decision against Sam Whealan, of Sheerness ABC, at Rumbles Academy in Sittingbourne. The outcome proved how close the fight was, with Cross again giving away height and reach, as he had done in his previous win. The first round saw both youngsters feel their way into the bout, the second seeing Cross connect with body shots and Whealan’s jab prove effective. Both boxers stepped things up in the last, Cross working well to head and body, while Whealan scored with several right uppercuts, before getting the nod from the judges. Despite the defeat, Ashford coaches Dennis Jarvis, Jamie Carter and Andy Wilford were pleased with Cross’s performance. Jack Ewbank reached the Southern Counties Finals at Ramsgate on Saturday, winning a unanimous points decision against the host club’s Adam Birch at Golden Rings ABC in Southampton on Saturday. Clubmate Charlie Smith produced a tenacious performance in losing on a unanimous points decision in his 60kg bout against another home fighter, Jake Clarke. Meanwhile, junior Logan Carter lost his first senior contest on another unanimous decision against Owen Sherred in a supporting bout. He took the initiative against southpaw Sherred, forcing the pace, and working well to both head and body. Sherred fought back in the second, landing with hooks and straight backhands, making them even at this stage. The home boy continued in the same way in the third, keeping Carter at bay but he still managed to connect with a couple of uppercuts and left hooks.

Picture: Paul Amos FM4031619 Buy this picture from kentonline.co.uk The Ashford Ladies keeper makes a brave stop during the 2-0 defeat in their league opener against Burnt Ash