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24/02/2009
England v Ireland team manager's report
A team of eight youth and senior boxers took part in this international dinner show at the Aldworth Science College in Basingstoke.
Over 400 spectators were in force on the night, providing a great atmosphere for the squad, which included Lee Gillespie and Jimmy Dean, who were both called up at late notice and representing England for the first time.
Youth Boxers (boxing 4 x 2 minute rounds)
James Dickens
Lee Gillespie
Jed Carroll
Senior Boxers (boxing 3 x 3 minute rounds)
Iain Weaver
Jimmy Dean
Glen Foot
Tony Hill
Antonio Counihan (Team captain)
Support team
George Gilbody - Team Manager
Mick Gannon - England ABAE National Coach
Matt Bell - Southern Counties Regional Coach
Robbie Boyd - ABAE Events Manager
51kg James Dickens beat Gary Molloy 10-1
'Jazza' showed a lot of aggression by planting his feet and feinting, trying to trigger off the taller Molloy. The Irishman showed determination, but James' fitness showed as he worked consistently in each round, throwing good straight shots and right hooks whilst still moving his feet.
60kg Antonio Counihan beat Sean Duffy 10-6
A tough match with Ant throwing good, straight shots and moving off to the side as the Irishman advanced. In the second half of the contest, Ant upped the speed, partly through necessity, adding uppercuts to his repertoire. Duffy had some success in each round but the slightly faster Ant picked shots with precision. A great performance by the team's captain against a strong, hard opponent.
60kg Jed Carroll lost to Charlie Haggerty 3-2
The Irish southpaw had a very tight defence and, although Jed was fully switched on he struggled to find his target. Early on saw Charlie throwing double hooks with some success, and the English boxer seemed to slow down as the contest progressed, seeming visibly tired in the last minute. Some good body shots from Jed.
57kg Lee Gillespie lost to Michael Myers 4-6
Lee started quickly, throwing straight shots at speed but his footwork was slow at times, and the Irishman was landing a few body shots. Later on, Michael lunged in with a left hooks, with Lee trying land with straight rights. A really good start by a new recruit at late notice.
57kg Iain Weaver beat Dermot Lawler 15-5
Iain was straight in with a variety of sharp shots against a very gutsy opponent. In the first round Lawler landed a good straight right as Weaver dropped his guard, but Weaver seemed in control, displaying good lay-backs and countering with straight rights.
Dermot landed a couple of straight rights in the last, but there was only one winner, with the fit Iain throwing lots of sharp, clean shots and emerging a likely contender for joint best stylist of the night.
60kg Jimmy Dean lost to Robert Gorman 10-6
Jimmy started by looking to go forward, throwing punches with success and retaining a very tight defense. Robert landed a couple of shots towards the end of the first round, and as the contest progressed the Irishman applied pressure, appearing to wear down England's late recruit debutant, who performed with great enthusiasm. A great first attempt for Jimmy.
69kg Glen Foot beat Fergal Redmond 16-1
This man would wear out Mike Tyson! Glen came out throwing shots at his taller opponent, and never stopped throughout the contest. He showed that he can box, though his enthusiasm tends to take over and at times he got a little too close to Fergal, who is extremely tough, brave and will compete all night if necessary. An incredible effort.
75kg Tony Hill lost to Luke Keeler 3-6
Tony was throwing straight, clean punches, but many fell short. A few of his shots scored, but Tony seemed to allow his opponent to get too close at times and Luke had some success with a left hook and a couple of straight rights. Not a 'form' night for Tony.
Final result: England 4, Ireland 4
Team Manager summary
The Irish Team competed as expected and did very well. My thanks to the Ireland team manager Dermot Lawler Snr, Coach Jim O'Neill and all of the Irish boxers, who displayed exemplary behaviour and competed with grace and dignity.
Our boys were excellent, I look forward to seeing them all again - and many thanks to Mick and Matt who made my task very pleasurable and to Robbie Boyd for ensuring that the project went like clockwork.
George Gilbody
ABAE Team Manager 22.2.09