Prizes for Portland club (From Dorset Echo)

Prizes for Portland club

9:30am Saturday 5th January 2013 in Sport By Echo Reporter

PORTLAND ABC held a fantastic night of boxing with all their fighters winning at their home dinner show.

First up was the club’s youngest ever boxer, Archie Nash, who at 10-years-old had his first skills bout with Blandford’s James Stockwell.

Both boys gave it their all and Nash, the younger and lighter of the two boys showed great strength and courage beyond his years in a fantastic, evenly-matched bout.

Next up, was Derry McNulty who at 11, is Portland’s first ever female junior boxer, in a skills bout against Emily Watt from Heart of Devon ABC.

Derry showed tremendous courage and determination in a brilliant bout against an aggressive opponent.

She showed great footwork and an excellent defence and did not stop going forward the whole bout.

Young Derry’s skilful performance earned her the trophy for junior boxer of the night by Portland’s new sponsor AAA Transport.

The third contest was the last skills bout with the island’s Kyle Baldwin facing Mitchell Turner from Barnsta-ble ABC.

The two junior heavyweights stood toe-to-toe for three rounds in a highly competitive skills bout.

Baldwin really showed that his hard work and great attitude to training has paid off and he is ready to progress on to a competitive schoolboy bout.

The first schoolboy fight was between Portland’s Taylor Wakefield and Harry Bryant of Trowbridge ABC.

The islander put on a fantastic performance, showing real heart and determination in a fiercely fought contest, which ended in Wakefield winning unanimously.

One of the dinner guests was so impressed with Taylor that he has offered him sponsorship to help him progress in the sport.

Next up, was Portland’s Kane Hamilton against tricky southpaw Kane Wildman of Cambourne and Redruth. Hamilton used his superior skill and with a dominant third round, gained the islanders their second win of the night.

First of the Portland seniors was heavyweight Sean Hernshaw who took on Joe Peach from Torbay.

Hershaw was a real crowd-pleaser, showing remarkable movement and accurate punching in a dominant display that resulted in another win for the unbeaten boxer.

Topping the bill was Portland’s Aran Thomas against hard-hitting Francis Lynn from Priorswood.

These experienced boxers put on an excellent display, with Thomas dominating the first three rounds.

Despite Lynn throwing everything he had in the last round, Thomas picked up the win on all three judges’ scorecards.

Thomas was presented with the award for best senior boxer of the night by AAA Transport.

Connor Merson missed out on his debut for Portland when his opponent went home ill before his bout.

It was disappointing for poor Merson but he can look forward to boxing early in the New Year.

Head coach and secretary Andy Hamilton said: “I am so proud of all the boxers. Their hard work and dedication to training shone through with amazing performances by everyone.

“We are lucky to have a brilliant team and the future looks bright.

“Portland ABC would like to thank all their sponsors and everyone who contributed to the show to make it a wonderful night for the boxers and all their supporters.”

The island club is always keen to hear from those wanting to go along and have a go at boxing.

Go to their website for details at portlandabc.org.uk