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08/09/2008
Witch Cup team manager's report
Wednesday 3rd September
The day was taken up with the journey from East Midlands Airport to Budapest, settling into the accommodation and ensuring the boxers were on track for the weigh-in. The team that journeyed out to Budapest consisted of Amanda Groarke (team manager and coach), Alwyn Belcher (coach) and the boxers; Nicola Adams (54kg) from Yorkshire, Lucy Abel (57kg) from the Royal Navy Boxing Association and Amanda Coulson (63kg) from Tyne, Tees and Wear. There were two concerns on the day, firstly a confusion over the payment for the transfer for the organisers and secondly Lucy's health although she insisted she was fine.
Thursday 4th September
At the technical meeting it was discussed about the new IEBA rules set in place from the 1st Sept 08. They are as follows:
- The 15 point rule no longer applies - no outscore rule.
- 3 counts in one round, 4 counts in the complete contest
- Headguard to be put on at ringside
- Hair must be under the headguard throughout the bout
- National vests, any colour can be worn
- Breast protector optional
- Sports bras, or crop tops must be worn under the vest
- Only IEBA licenced instructed headguards to be worn - Everlast, Top Ten or Addidas
- All rules apply from 1st Sept 08
11am - draw. Thirteen Countries entered, with 84 boxers. Nicola was the 17th bout, Lucy 19th Amanda 31st.
Contests - quarter finals
Nicola Adams ENGLAND v Gyongyi Muskotaly HUNGARY
Nicola started well, finding her range catching the Hungarian almost instantly with her three shot combination. She followed this with well placed double hooks to body and head and a powerful backhand, taking a 7-1 lead in the first. Although hurting her right hand in the first round, Nicola cleverly switched, completely baffling her opponent and gaining a 12-1 lead. Nicola continued to move throughout the third, looking a total class above the young Muskotaly. She finished on a well-deserved 15-2 win, and guaranteed a place in the medals.
Lucy Abel ENGLAND v Usha Nagisetty INDIA
Lucy started well against the very awkward and experienced Indian, being thrown to the floor in the first half of the round. Although throwing a combination of backhands and straight shots she was 1-2 points down after the first. Lucy entered the second positive and determined, throwing double jabs followed by left hooks, taking her to a 4-4 draw. The third was a nail biting round, Lucy going one point down. No matter how hard she tried could not seem to score, a very brave battle finishing on a 5-6 score in favour of her Indian opponent.
Amanda Coulson ENGLAND v Sabrina Kirilova BULGARIA
Amanda was determined to start fast and furious, throwing flurries of backhand combinations, cornering her opponent and bombarding her with an onslaught of power shots. This caused the referee to intervene and the Bulgarian's corner to throw in the towel and save her from any further punishment. 7-0 first round stoppage.
Friday 5th September
Contests - Semi finals
Nicola Adams ENGLAND v Ramilal Pavitra INDIA
Nicola started well, gauging her distance and throwing in-range sharp one-twos, followed by accurate three shot combinations, putting her 3-1 up after the first round. In the second round, the frustrated India kept coming forward, but Nicola caught her every time, picking her shots well and keeping her composure. Looking incredibly relaxed every time the Indian came charging in, she would roll under the shots and throw, storming ahead eleven points to one after the second. In the third - much as the previous rounds - she caught the tall Indian with an awesome screw shot, rocking her opponent's head back. Nicola's overall movement, relaxation skill and technique was phenomenal, and by far the best display of boxing seen for a long time, the crowd were in awe, taking her to a much deserved 16-2 win and place in the final.
Amanda Coulson ENGLAND v Marachelle de Jong NETHERLANDS
Amanda started fast, throwing backhand combinations which were just out of range, Marachelle also threw three shot combinations, catching Amanda as she went forward and ending the first five points down, 8-3. Amanda - aware of her own openings - tried to tighten her defence trying to avoid Marachelle's powerful backhand, both girls now throwing combinations of sheer power and each one taking unbelievable shots and taking whatever came without a flinch, Amanda ended the second round nine points down, with a score of 14-5. Going into the third, she once again picked up the pace, with Marachelle matching her work rate. Amanda caught Marachelle with awesome back hands, closing the gap with the crowd cheering at the sheer power of shots connecting. It was too late though, and Marachelle took the contest 16-10. An absolute battle of power, determination and sheer toughness on both girls' parts would have made a fantastic final.
After Amanda's contest she complained that her right hand was causing her an extreme amount of pain. On examination it I could see it already starting to swell and applied ice. I then took her to see the doctor who attended to her immediately applying a cream, and bandaging her up. She took pain killers and was advised not to use it in any way. On later seeing Marachelle, she commented on a large lump on her forehead - obviously from Amanda's hand.
Saturday 6th September
As team manager I attended a Civic Reception meeting the Major of Pecs. This involved a number of speeches and presentations, about the town becoming a European City of Culture.
Contest - final
Nicola Adams ENGLAND v Lorna Weaver FRANCE
Nicola entered the ring totally focused and positive, wanting this contest for so long. Lorna was on her guard, with her tight defence throughout, Nicola feinting, then throwing catching Lorna with her back hand. The French girl waiting to counter, but Nicola boxed clever waiting and countering the counter taking her ahead in the first round. Entering the second Nicola remained relaxed and focused, her movement and speed frustrating Lorna, causing the French girl to attack missing with every shot, Nicola countering and scoring every time, taking Nicola 4 points ahead after the second. In front and on form, looking as relaxed as her previous bouts her movement as previous bouts exceptional, picking her shots well, and enjoying the occasion, putting on another excellent display of boxing, giving her a final score of 4 points to 11, and a much deserving gold medal.
After the contests we had the medal ceremony where both Nicola and Amanda got their well-earned gold and bronze,
Sunday 7th September
The day consisted of the team's return journey. Unfortunately this involved being taken to the airport by the organisers 7 hours before the flight departure time.
SUMMARY:
ACCOMODATION
The hotel was very pleasant, and the rooms were spacious and airy, also close to local amenities, and the venue.
FOOD
This was very poor (thank goodness for Tesco). Every meal was awful, there was no choice of food, and every meal consisted of ham, rice and lots of cheese.
BOXERS
The conduct and performance from all three girls was exceptional, they were as always an absolute pleasure to be with, and a credit to their country.
COACHES
As always Alwyn and myself worked very hard, although these girls do make our job much easier.
TEAM MEETINGS
Team meetings were held every day and were productive in ensuring communication, providing a forum for discussion and problem solving, de-briefing on the previous day and planning for the day ahead.
COMMENTS
The atmosphere within the team was vibrant, and we have a known reputation for being the happy smiling team from England. Every other country commented on how lovely our team are, and how well they box. The respect is now there from coaches and boxers alike. World class boxing from world class athletes, and considering the population of England compared to other countries entered, our girls are pretty special.
Amanda Groarke
Team Manager