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11/12/2007
Team Manager's report from France
E U TOURNAMENT LILLE FRANCE 3-9 DEC 07
DAY ONE: Monday December 3
ASSEMBLY AND TRAVEL
Met at the Jet 2 desk Manchester airport at 11am.
Arrived at Charles De Gaulle airport at 15:30pm, we were met at the airport and informed we had to wait an hour for another team to arrive before being taken to the hotel; we were offered refreshments, then sat and waited for the team to arrive.
After an hour a coach arrived and we boarded, only to be driven to another terminal where we were asked to wait another hour for yet another team. We were taken into the airport restaurant and all given a very nice meal, after another hour had passed we were taken back to the transport, and there we waited for another hour. Three and a half hours after landing we finally left Charles De Gaulle airport and underwent a two-hour journey, before reaching our final destination, Mercure Hotel in Lille at 9pm.
The girls were then taken to there rooms and myself and Alwyn Belcher attended a meeting of which ourselves and three other teams were already late, due to our late arrival.
After the meeting the girls had a check weight, we then had our evening meal followed by a training session, and another check weight, before retiring for the evening around 12:10am.
DAY TWO: Tuesday December 4
We were all ready to weigh in at 7am, however the check scales had been taken, and the weigh in was delayed until 7:20am.
After the weigh in the girls had breakfast then back to bed to sleep, I reassured them that I would wake them around 12pm as soon has the draw had finished.
Alwyn and myself attended the draw at 11am.
A team meeting was organised at 12:20pm. I apologised for the previous evenings delay, discussed the draw, and the days plan, answering any questions they may have then gave out the pins, and wished them luck.
We left the hotel at 3pm arriving at the venue for 3:30pm
The boxing venue was called Palais Saint Sauveur.
Amanda Coulson and Lucy Abel represented England in the opening ceremony, as discussed earlier at the meeting.
Quarter Final
54kg Nicola Adams v Lorna Weaver (France)
Nicola started well throwing a flurry of accurate timed combinations of straight shots, constantly moving, looking very relaxed, and putting her ahead by one point with a score of 5 points to 4. Going into the second round Nicola's double hook combination, although powerful did not seem to be scoring, ending the second round 7 to 9 behind. The round similar scoring as the second, with Weaver always seeming to be a point ahead with Nicola unable to pull it back, returning to the corner with a final score of 13 to 15 favouring her French opponent.
Quarter Final
60kg Anastasia Cousins v Myriam Dellal (France)
Anastasia started the first round well going two points up in the opening seconds against the world number seven, although her fast moving opponent caught her with a number of straight left rights, Anastasia returning to the corner 5 to 9 down.
The second round almost like the first with Dellal beating Anastasia to the punch, Anastasia only scoring with the counter. The end of the second ending 10 points down with a score of 9 to 19 in favour of her French opponent, Anastasia not believing the score on her return to the corner returned to the third to give her all starting to pressure her opponent, and pulling back points, catching Dellal with a powerful back hand, giving her shocked opponent a standing count. Anastasia although behind with a score of 16 to 26 would not give up, and Dellal was caught again by the power of Anastasia, giving her her second standing count of the round, and a win by RSC the overjoyed Anastasia proved although only competing in her second large international tournament proving was a force to be reckoned with, and winning herself a guaranteed bronze medal.
Prelims
66kg Natasha Jonas v Gelsomina Morano (Italy)
Natasha entered the ring very positive, and confident, this showed in the first round, as she caught the Italian with a number of right hook back hands, moving just out of range then back in with the back hand then dropping her opponent half way through the round with an awesome uppercut, the Italian doing well to recover, taking Natasha one point ahead after the first with a score of 5 points to 4, giving her the confidence she needed to return to the second round relaxed and loose, always moving her feet, catching her frustrated opponent with the well countered combinations returning to the corner 12 to 5 up. Going into the third, Natasha continued her accurate shots, catching Gelsomina every time she moved off with either the right hook or the jab, looking relaxed she finished comfortably with the final score of 17 to 7.
The girls returned to the hotel on a high although Nicola understandably very disappointed.
After evening meal we had a little shake out, before a check weigh the girls then retired for the evening.
DAY THREE: Wednesday December 5
Girls were up at 7:30am to weigh in at 8am.
After breakfast the girls went back to bed getting as much sleep as possible.
We left the hotel at 1:30pm boxing commenced at 3pm.
Quarter Final
57kg Lucy Abel v Karolina Graczyk (Poland)
Lucy started well against the awkward southpaw opponent, and the first round was close each just ahead by one point, then the other would pick the point back, finishing the first round on 3 points to 3
The second round much similar to the first each girl desperately trying to hold onto their lead, Lucy throwing her straight shots well, moving her feet away thus avoiding the counter, the score after the second round being a draw of 6 to 6
Entering the third and final round, Lucy almost trying too hard unable to get her distance when throwing her back hand, as was her opponent both girls battling for the points, Lucy being the aggressor, with a score of 8 to 8 neither girls able to score, the Polish opponent just seemed to score two points in the final ten seconds, bringing the final score to 8 points to 10 in favour of Graczyk.
A very close contest.
Quarter Final
63kg Amanda Coulson v Alexandra Berechet (Romania)
Amanda started well going into the first round, almost shocking Berechet with her powerful jab, going straight into the lead, continuing to look relaxed Amanda came back after the first round two points up with a score of 4 points to 2.
The second round again like the first, Amanda being relaxed and in control of the contest, throwing the jab, followed by straight backhand and jab, taking her three points ahead at 7 points to 4.
Going into the third round Amanda decided to pick up the pace a little, setting her shots, connecting every time, giving herself a comfortable, 11points to 6 win, guaranteeing her a bronze medal.
Quarter Final
66kg Natasha Jonas v Janina Bonordon (Germany)
Natasha entered the ring confident and relaxed, connecting with almost every shot thrown, she continued to move well, going three nil up after the first round.
The second round Natasha had found her range, connecting with a right hook giving her German opponent a standing count, Natasha continued her high standard of boxing taking her nine points ahead with a score of 10 to 1 after the second round, going into the third, and Bonordon knew she had to keep moving forward, Natasha waiting, catching her with the counter shot, continuing to move well demonstrating a great display of boxing, finishing with a final score of 18 points to 3
Another guaranteed bronze medal.
On returning to the hotel the girls had their evening meal followed by a check weigh and a little shake out, followed by a few minutes in the sauna to help them relax, then off to bed.
DAY FOUR: Thursday December 6
Anastasia, Amanda and Natasha woke early ready for their 8am weigh in, followed by breakfast and back to bed.
Today would be a long day with the competition going on all afternoon and evening.
There was two different times for transport to leave the hotel, we advised Natasha and Amanda to stay and wait for the later transport so they could rest, however Natasha wanted to come along early.
Afternoon Session 3pm
60kg Anastasia Cousins v Evelyn Coolens (Belgium)
Anastasia started well into the first round going ahead by two points, although seemed to slow down after the first minute struggling to get her shots off.
Going into the second round she was points down, and struggled to pick them up, continuing to struggle with distance in the second, just being a little too close to let her shots score.
Going into the third round Anastasia picked up the pace, and caught Coolens with a number of shots, but it was too late, and Coolens took the contest on a 16 score to 8 win.
Evening Session 7pm
Semi Final
63kg Amanda Coulson v Verheyen (Belgium)
As soon as the bell went Amanda started throwing her strong stiff jab catching Verheyen every time, waiting for her to come forward, drawing her onto the jab. Taking her to 6 points to 1 lead.
Going into the second round Amanda looked very relaxed, throwing a number of left right left hook combinations, although after throwing the hook she was warned by the referee for slapping, the only time Verheyen able to land a glove was during Amanda's combinations, although after the second round Amanda was 11 to 5 up. Going into the third round, Amanda was very confident, knowing Verheyen would be coming out fast, Amanda just using her powerful well placed jab throughout the round, jab and move is all she needed to do to ensure a comfortable win of 18 points to 6. Earning her a guaranteed silver medal.
Semi Final
66kg Natasha Jonas v Amelie Blary (France) Semi Finals
Natasha went into the first round well, never planting her feet for more than a second, moving out of range just as the shot had been thrown, she had gone to points up the first half of the round, only for the powerful Blary to come back, going ahead by a point, although at the end of the first round Natasha pulled the points back, ending the round 4 points to 4.
The second round was has hard and intense as the first, with Natasha throwing powerful right hook, left cross combinations, with a tremendous right screw shot scoring well deserved points, Natasha tying her opponent on the ropes stepping off connecting with an accurate placed right hook, both girls exchanging powerful combinations, Natasha just going ahead 9 points to 8 after the second round.
Into the third and once again Natasha went behind on points, only to go back to evens with the score at 11 to 11 in the final 30 seconds Natasha dug deep thinking on every shot, she pulled away giving everything she had, ending the bout on a well fought, well deserved victory of 15 points to 11, earning her the silver medal, and a place in the final.
After the bouts we returned to the hotel for evening meal, and another check weigh, even though the girls were not boxing the following day, we were constantly keeping tabs on their weight, later that evening the girls went into the hotel gym for a little relaxed work out, followed by a short relaxing sauna as Natasha and Amanda was starting to feel a little stiff, although after the sauna and a nice hot bath they were relaxed.
DAY FIVE: Friday December 7
The girls had a well-deserved lie in today, we had arranged to go on a tour of Lille of which had been arranged by the French association for all the teams.
We left the hotel at 2pm after lunch, and let the girls go shopping, and arranged to meet half an hour before the coach was due to collect us.
All the girls were on time, and we headed back to the hotel for our evening meal.
After dinner Alwyn and myself had arranged a light training session for Amanda and Natasha, after which the girls retired for the evening ready for the following day.
DAY SIX: Saturday December 8
I woke Amanda and Natasha at 7:30am for a check weight, although we knew their weight was fine, we then went to breakfast, after breakfast the girls went to rest.
I held a team meeting at 12pm to go through all the days events times etc, and the itinerary for the following day
We met at reception at 3:45pm ready to leave; this had been a very long day.
On arriving at the venue we still had almost two hours to go before the start of the competition, although due to the traffic on previous days I did not want to risk getting a taxi and getting the girls there a little later to avoid the waiting around, just in case we had arrived late.
I advised the girls to go to a café bar outside the venue just so they could relax for a while.
On their return Amanda and Natasha had to join in the opening ceremony, as did all other finalists, before getting focused for their contests.
Final
63kg Amanda Coulson v Farida El Hadrati (France)
Amanda did not seem to be able to set her shots from the first bell, getting caught by El Hadrati a number of times, only scoring one point in the first round with the score at 5 points to 1
The second round was not dissimilar to the first with the strong French opponent catching Amanda with her powerful combinations ending with a big back hand, Amanda unable to break down El Hadrati's tight defence, again putting the French girl seven points ahead with a score of 8 points to 1 after the second round.
Going into the third and Amanda still digging deep, giving everything she had, her shots still unable to score, finishing the contest on a 22 points to 3 decision, making a disappointed Amanda settle for silver.
Final
66kg Natasha Jonas v R. Holgersson (Sweden)
Natasha started fast in the first putting her ahead by one point, Holgersson coming back towards the end of the round, finishing 2points to 1 to the Swede,
Going into the second and both girls being cautious of the other, Natasha pulled back the points, looking relaxed and focused she finished the second round one point up with a score of three points to two.
The third round was much the same as the previous rounds, both girls battling for the points, and the gold medal, although it was not to be for Natasha, the round finishing in a one point defeat with a final score of 5 points to 4 in favour of Holgersson, The gap narrowed from previous contests when these two girls had met.
Natasha settling for the silver medal.
After the medal ceremony we returned to the hotel, and attended a very late banquet, before retiring for the evening.
DAY 7: Sunday December 9
We were at breakfast early, as we had to leave at 8:30am, due to a number of teams going to Charles De Gaulle Airport.
We arrived at Charles De Gaulle at 11am and had to wait until 14:10 to check in.
Once checked in we went for lunch in the airport before catching our 16:10 flight.
Once at Manchester Airport, I made sure all the girls got picked up, or went for their train, then dropped Alwyn and Lucy off at the Birch Hotel where they had left their vehicles, before continuing home.
END RESULTS- ENGLAND 2 SILVER MEDALS 1 BRONZE
All of the girls are to be congratulated on, they displayed an excellent display of boxing, of which was complemented, and talked about throughout the contest, not only by other team coaches but also by officials.
Although still inexperienced compared to other countries, these girls are performing to an exceptional standard of boxing, and returning with medals, all being a true asset to England, and female boxing.
COACHES AND OFFICIALS
Head coach Alwyn Belcher does an amazing job, and needs to be congratulated for all his time and hard work, he does a fantastic job, and has a great relationship with the girls. Congratulations also needs to go out to all the girl's club coaches who continue to do an exceptional job, and along with Alwyn are producing a very high standard of boxer.
We came back with three medals out of five, although it does make me think had we had a representing official it may have been five medals!
THE BOXERS
The conduct of all five boxers was exceptional throughout the whole competition, and as always are an absolute pleasure to work with.
ACCOMODATION
We resigned at the Mercure Hotel in Lille throughout the competition, a high level of comfort, and having a gym and sauna helped the girls stay more pleasurable. The food was of a high standard producing healthy meals throughout the week.
FRENCH HOSPITALITY
The French boxing federation was extremely helpful, and although there were sometimes difficulty translating, They worked extremely hard to make our stay as stress free as possible, and I would like to thank all organisers involved.
Amanda Groarke
Coach & Team Manager
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