Guernsey V Western Counties

The team met at Bristol Airport for their lunchtime departure, all were in good spirits. A team meeting was held where Dave Dungay was selected as Captain, and the boxers intorduced to each other. A good flight was particularly enjoyed by Mike Freeman and Jerry Connors, taking to the air for the first time.
Rooms were allocated at the Ambassador Hotel, and the host 'Basil' made us all very welcome. Soup and sandwiches followed before a gentle stroll into town.
All the boxers came in at the required weight, except T Maunder from Guernsey. This meant Rahim Nanji's bout was off, a real shame for a smashing young lad, who then took on the camera man role for the night. A team meeting was held for final instructions before the action started.

Bout 1
NSC boxer Jerry Connors got proceedings underway against J Gilvear. A superb opening contest saw Gilvear edge a close points decision. A great effort from Jerry, just pipped after boxing well.

Bout 2
Walcots Tommy McDonagh oozed class against Alderney boxer C Sumner. A crunching body shot had Sumner down for the 8 count in round 1. Tommy piled on the presure and the style to ease home on points.

Bout 3
NSC's Bradley Collingbourne was going well against Gage Demore, until his nose started to bleed heavily. After 2 inspection from the referee, the coach withdrew his boxer as he was unable to stem the flow.

Bout 4
Broad Plain's Mathew Donnely and Alan Myres engaged in a toe to toe battle of attrition right from the start. This was a cracking contest, that went one way then the other. Donnely getting the nod to a standing ovation from the packed dinner crowd.

Bout 5
Cornishman Marcus Hodgeson faced tough Bradley Watson, who came out all guns blazing. After a torrid first round, Hodgeson rallied in the second. Round three saw Marcus on top, with stunning counter attacks and some brilliant footwork. Watson was on the receiving end at the final bell, but had done enough to win.

Bout 6
Forest Oaks boxer Mike Freeman faced J Woolnough who seemed to have his measure. Only a busy final round, where he never stopped working would be enough. Mike getting a majority win that could have gone either way. Very close.

Bout 7
Team Captain Dave Dungay from Devonport met up with W Calladine, who clearly wanted to take Daves head off. Dave stuck to his instructions in the final round, and forund the room for a stunning right cross. Calladines legs turned to jelly, and the referee waved it off. A great Captains performance.

Bout 8
Neal Herbert crossed swords with C Pearson, and seemed to have the bout under control. Three rounds of action with Mayflowers Herbert on top failed to impress the judges. Pearson winning by unanimous decision to the amazement of the away camp.

Bout 9
The decider. With the scores level at 4-4, Mike Rose faced off against T Duff. Another super contest had the crowd on its feet, with Rose starting particularly strongly. The game Duff couldnt keep Rose away, and all three judges declared Fromes Mike, and the Western Counties team, the winner.

Both sets of boxers and coaches then met up back at the Ambassador for a buffet and drinks. Guernsey made us very welcome, and we were treated like kings for the entire weekend. Basil served up some top quality food and was a great host.

The boxers behaved well, and listened to the coaches instructions.

Team Manger: Alan Brightman
Coaches Steve Gawron and Les Brooking