Birtley boss hails Commonwealth success

BIRTLEY head coach Graeme Rutherford has hailed the performances of his three top fighters at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Pat McCormack (far right) gloriously brought home a gold meal while his twin Luke (left) bagged bronze and Calum French (inset) made the quarter finals.

“I’m so happy for Pat as hopefully this will, after some truly bad decisions, show him that he can force victory in the big fights to takes things out of everyone’s hands,” said Rutherford.

“Luke getting a bronze wasn’t ideal but he lost to the eventual champion and Glasgow Commonwealth Games silver medalist. He looked tired in the last round after a bad draw forced him to beat all the top lads in the group.

“I think the pressure got to Calum. He is still inexperienced at international level compared to the twins but hopefully he learns from it.”

I watched Pat’s gold medal bout live on telly and felt he was in total command throughout – a class apart. The lad has a real chance long term – quick feet and hands, an assurance and determination, as well as class. This is the first of what ought to be several global gold medals. McCormack’s a credit to Birtley and they are a natural fit for him – a club which produces a string of champions. Birtley have Ben Rees, Isaac Milburn, Jake Slater, Hannah Shield, and Hannah Robinson all boxing in the Elite quarterfinals at East London University this weekend.