No playing Games as trio look for glory

CALUM French and the McCormack twins, Luke and Pat, are ready to smash their way to Commonwealth Games gold.

The razor-sharp North East boxers have created a little piece of history by being named in the England team for the tournament in Australia next month.

Yet the thrill of simply representing Birtley ABC, an honour though that is, is not enough - the trio are determined to bring home the top colour.

French, from Gateshead, and the Washington brothers Luke and Pat were today officially unveiled in a 12-strong England team who will be competing at the appropriatelynamed Gold Coast.

French said: “I don’t see why we can’t go there and pick up three gold medals.

“We have the talent and we’re determined to make them ours.”

The triumvirate’s motivation comes after their near miss last year, when they wore the GB vest with distinction at the European Championships.

Fighting in the Ukraine, they all returned home with medals, the McCormacks taking silver after brave final defeats and French winning a bronze.

“We have to go one better than the Euros,” added French, who will box at lightweight.

“We did well to win medals there, unfortunately we missed out on the colour we wanted.

“We’re confident we can achieve what we want in the Gold Coast.”

It would be a brave pundit to bet against the Birtley boys, who are in incredible touch.

Luke has clinched two victories in the World Series of Boxing for the British Lionhearts in 2018, in France and against Italy.

His sibling plus French brought the house down at Gateshead Leisure Centre last month with stunning wins in the WSB triumph over Croatia. Welterweight favourite Pat said: “It was the first time I’d boxed since the Worlds.

“It was great to do it on our own patch and even better to be straight back on form.

“I feel brilliant and I can’t wait to get out there.

“I know if I perform the way I can I’ll win the gold.

“I took silver (at the Euros), was robbed at the worlds but I’m determined nothing will stop me at the Commonwealths.

“This is a massive tournament and it’s no good just going there and winning a silver or bronze.”

Both French and Pat McCormack are satisfied one bout under their belts will be sufficient going into the competition - but Luke is happy to have fought twice.

“I boxed well,” said the 22-year-old light-welterweight. “The WSB bouts are over five rounds but we’re doing threes at the Commonwealths so that should be a doddle really. ROY KELLY