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09/06/2008
England v Ireland schoolboys team manager report
The team met at the Adelphi hotel at 4pm, all boxers and coaches were punctual. A team meeting followed, where it was emphasised that this tournament will be looked at closely in view to picking a team to go to Croatia for the European schoolboy tournament coming up in July.
Michael Joynson was nominated as team captain. Michael was congratulated by the team. A team meeting was conducted at 5pm with a check weigh for the boxers.
6pm: Boxers were officially weighed in with all boxers making their stipulated weight categories. A Meal was then provided for the boxers. At 7pm a light shake-out was conducted for the boxers to loosen up after their journey. At 9pm boxers retired to their rooms to get a good night's rest for the tournament.
Saturday 7th June 2008:
08.00: Boxers were given a wake up call for breakfast. All bags were removed from their rooms and an inspection was given in all the rooms to make sure they were all in order as boxers would be dispersing immediately after the tournament.
09.30: A team meeting was held prior to leaving the hotel for the venue at Everton Park. All boxers were reminded that international etiquette was expected. All boxers thus far had been very well behaved. We then had a walk into the city for 30 minutes with the boxers.
11.00: The team was taken to the venue at Everton Park Sports Centre.
11.30: Pre contest medical.
1.00pm: Schoolboy boxing gets under way.
Jack Bateson v Joe Fitzpatrick:
Jack boxed extremely well in what was a very close contest. It was even all the way through, with both boys having success. At the end of three hard fought rounds Fitzpatrick was awarded the decision 5 - 4
Mark Leech v Thomas Griffin:
Mark looked very composed in this contest, both leading off and drawing his opponent on to sharp shots to head and body. As the contest progressed Mark was finding the target with ease and convincingly won the contest 10 - 0
Jez Smith v Michael Nevin:
It took Jez the first round to find his range but when he did, nice combinations were hitting the target. Jez grew in confidence as the bout progressed and started picking his opponent off as Nevin attacked. Jez was awarded the contest with a score 6 - 2.
Thomas Ward v Derek Potter:
Thomas was on form against the highly talked of Potter. Although Potter was a strong lad he was faced with a count early on in the first round by the competent England boxer. Thomas was leading off with three punch combinations as well as making Potter miss. A second count followed shortly after and the contest was called to a hault with the two counts in one round rule. Ward the winner RSC1
Alfie Price v Kevin Sexton:
Alfie struggled to find his range early on and the bout was even going into the last round, however Alfie started to find the straight shots were working well in the last against the strong Irish boxer. Alfie boxed smartly and was adjudged the contest 6 - 3.
Ryan Fillingham v Ronan Devlin:
Ryan is improving all the time. He boxed with determination against Devlin, setting a furious pace from the off. Ryan was landing with very solid hooks to both head and body in what was an admirable work rate. This gained Ryan a healthy lead and took the decision 10 - 3.
Romario Wallace v Keane McMahon:
Romario is a competent boxer but struggled to find his range against McMahon. Although there was nothing in the contest it was frustrating for Wallace as on this occasion nothing seemed to go well for him. McMahon stuck to his game plan though and just nicked the decision 3 - 2.Joseph Maphosa v Aaron Rogan:
Joseph was a late entry into this international event and took the bout the night before the contest. All credit must go to him for turning up and giving his all. Rogan was a slippery customer and although Rogan won the contest 6 - 0 it really did not portray the bout.
Frank Smith v Daniel Fullerton:
Frank started the contest very sharp in what was a convincingly won first round. The following two rounds were close, however Fullerton got the decision 10 - 3.
Michael Joynson v Patrick Ward:
Michael performed extremely well. The first saw a normally slow start as Michael found his range. The following two rounds Mike started lifting through the gears switching from head to body very well and landing very nice angled shots. A dazzling display by Michael took the decision 14 - 2.
George Crotty v Dylan Carr:
George was faced with a very strong boxer in Carr, who really wanted to rough George up. George stayed nice and tight and as the storm died down in the second half of the first round Crotty started to have success. Second round saw a big shot give George a heavy nose bleed. The doctor gave the ok to box on, however another inspection by the doctor and the bout was called to halt. George was fine and also 3 points ahead at that point. Unfortunate but it happens and George was congratulated on a very good performance.
Mark Baker v Robert Carty:
Mark had a very awkward opponent and although he landed some heavy shots, nothing seemed to connect flush this time. In what turned out to be a very even contest with the score 8 - 8 with 2 seconds to go Mark found the scoring blow just before the bell, taking the contest 9 - 8.
Patrick Miller V Bernard O'Reilly:
Patrick was really up for this weekend international and started well. After having a look at his opponent in the first he started to unload good accurate combinations off the double jab in the second and third. Making Patrick a worthy winner of the contest, with a score of 7 - 2.
Gino Jones V Anthony Coyle:
Gino faced arguably the most talented Irish boxer of the tournament. Even though Gino showed good determination throughout and never gave up Coyle was tucking up nicely and landing good scoring shots. A tough one for Gino to look good in and Coyle won the contest 6 - 1.
3.30pm:
A team meeting afterwards was to congratulate all boxers for their performances and just as important their conduct. It was absolutely faultless. A pleasure to work with and a very enjoyable weekend.
Accommodation:
The Adelphi hotel was very nice, all rooms were nice and staff were very helpful. It was literally a five minute drive to the venue at Everton Park Sports Centre which is also a fantastic facility for the boxing event.
Officials:
All officiating was of a high standard and should be congratulated.
John Hallam (team manager) ensured that everything ran smoothly and made my duties less stressful.
Coaches:
My coaches Damien Ridpath and Paul Stevenson where excellent in their roles assisting me and ensuring the boxers were warm and raring to go. They did a top job, thanks lads.
Team Captain:
Michael was a worthy team captain for the team and ensured a wake up call for breakfast was on time and all boxers were up and ready. All the boxers were on time for regular team meetings. Well done Michael.
Summary:
I was very pleased with all performances and behaviour both in and out of the ring was commendable. The weekend went well and everything ran smoothly. The boxers all gained valuable experience which in turn will leave them in good stead for future events. Final score England 8 Ireland 6.
Well done team!
Nick Tansley
England Schoolboy Lead Coach
Eastern Counties Regional Coach