Boxers bag a fistful of medals
Members of Blantyre’s Priestfield Boxing Club have been celebrating their recent success at the Scottish Novice Championships at Ravenscraig.
Held in the Motherwell facility, young boxers from the club brought home four gold and two silver medals.
Seven lads from Priestfield took part in the contest with varying success, but first up was Bothwell’s Rhys Burns with his debut fight in the 60kg weight class. It was a great performance from the 16-year-old, who was unlucky to lose on a close split decision.
Next up was John Frew, of Blantyre, who was also making his debut in the final of the 31kg weight class.
Again, it was a close contest and the 11-year-old lost on a split decision, taking home a silver medal.
Then on the card was Liam Miller, of Hamilton, competing against a more experienced opponent in the 57kg weight class final. The 15-year-old handled the occasion well, but was unfortunate to lose on a split decision to take home silver.
Hamilton’s Ben Mcgoldrick, 15, was on fire throughout the tournament and stopped three of his opponents on the way to pick up the gold medal in the final of the 60kg weight class.
Jack Furniss, also 15 from Hamilton, had a great run, boxing his way to the final with three bouts to become the 63kg weight class Scottish Novice Champion.
The next finalist was Regan Steele, 15, of Larkhall, who went on to win against a strong final opponent in the 48kg weight class title.
Last up was 20-year-old Albert Anthony, from Cambuslang, who stopped his opponent in the third round of the semi-final to go on to win gold in the final against a game opponent from Greenock.
Coach Aidan Brown said:“it was an excellent tournament and I’m so pleased with the effort the team put in. Our training camp started back in October 2021 and we trained all through Christmas and Newyear.
“The boxers’commitment, desire and sacrifice has paid off for each and every one of them – win or lose!
“The tournament was the largest ever in terms of entries and that is great news for the sport of boxing. To come away with four gold medals and two silver is a huge success for the team.”
Priestfield’s boxers will compete in the Wallace Box Cup in July.