Double delight after Golden Girls victory

BIRTLEY’S Hannah Shields and Ruby Atkinson became Golden Girls when they triumphed at the world’s biggest female boxing tournament.

They were part of the Tyne, Tees, and Wear Association entry at the Golden Girls competition held in Boras, Sweden.

Hannah, Birtley’s elite semi-finalist and England international, faced a Dane in her first fight dominating to run out a easy winner.

“The semi-final saw Hannah up against the tournament organiser’s daughter and Swedish champion,” said Birtley coach Graeme Rutherford.

“After a slow start Hannah began to push her opponent back behind her straight shots and forced her onto the ropes with her fast attacks.

“She gained a unanimous decision to reach the final were she boxed a Irish opponent from St. Johns ABC.

“Again Hannah, who has been working hard on her skills, dominated with long shots and slipped the jab to counter with right hands several times.

“It all left her opponent unsure whether to attack or defend and this confusion led to her downfall as Hannah romped home to win the gold medal.”

Ruby Atkinson was at 12 years old Birtley’s youngest competitor.

“We have high hopes for Ruby whose father Wayne also boxed for the club,” said Rutherford. “She didn’t disappoint with her superior footwork and movement leaving the Irish girl standing at times.” Julie Small and Danny Boyle were the Birtley officials who took the girls out to Sweden for the Golden Girls event, the first time the club has ever sent an allfemale team away. “It was great experience for the girls and with female bouts so hard to get in this country we are willing to invest money in these trips to get the girls bouts in order to develop them,” said Julie.

“We are looking to bring the female section up to a level of our males.

“We had our first female national champion with Natalia Johnson in the Developments so hopefully we are on the right track.”

Birtley suffered a setback when Natalia Johnson pulled up injured the night before flying out then Anuska Freeman discovered there were no opponents at her weight.

That left Sophie Wright, who boxed last year’s champion in her semi-final. But despite a good showing she lost on points to claim bronze as did Macey McKennaThompson, who dropped a tight split decision.