Cleland trio ready for finals challnge … and Calder flies the flag for Springhill
The Boxing Scotland Elite Championships will return to Ravenscraig in two weeks’ time after the successful semi-finals on Saturday.
There were mixed fortunes for local boxers from Springhill ABC and Cleland Miners at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility as they looked to book their place in the finals on April 1.
First up was Scott Wotherspoon, from Cleland Miners, who sealed his spot in the final in epic style with a unanimous win over Doon Valley’s Neil McCubbin.
Fellow Cleland fighter Stephanie Kernachan then joined Scott in the finals by beating Lindsey Robinson from Cardenden ABC.
It was disappointment for Springhill’s Connie Ramsay in her bout as she lost out to experienced Greek fighter Efiychia Kathopouli in a well contested fight.
Ramsay, a former Commonwealth Games judo competitor for Scotland, only took up boxing last year and lost out in the 57kg category.
However, there was success for Springhill’s Lynn Calder as she beat Elaine Greenan, from Livingston ABC, in a commanding performance. Calder will now go on to face Natalya Josko in the final on April 1.
Finally, Cleland’s top day finished off well with Stephen Newns beating Lochend’s Sean Eng on a split decision in the 59kg category. Newns will now face Hayfield’s Fraser Gorn in the final.
In the youth Scottish finals, also at Ravenscraig, Cleland duo Steven Stokes and Jack Nicholas both lost out in the finals.
Ronnie Blackburn, head coach of Cleland Miners, said: “Steven boxed the much experienced Tony Orr and took the fight to him.
“He worked non-stop the full fight but Orr’s experience showed in the end by taking a unanimous decision but Steven must take great heart from his performance.
“We thought Jack had done enough to merit the decision but disappointingly they awarded it to Calum Stewart.
“We’re all proud of them and would like to thank the coaches and sponsors for their help. Now we’re looking forward to seeing Stephen, Stephanie and Scott box for the right to be Scottish champions.”
Springhill ABC head coach Frank Delaney said: “Connie was unlucky but she proved she has what it takes against a really strong fighter. Lynn can also go up a gear in her final and we wish her all the best.”