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26/11/2009
England v Scotland
Senior teams from England and Scotland met for the first time in twenty years this week.
Mick Gannon, England's national coach, said that the resurrection of the tournament as an annual fixture was intended to provide experience for up-and-coming boxers.
"The competition is ideal for testing our up-and-coming international performers," he said. "It helps develop home nation boxers before they move onto bigger things."
Photography by Dean Fardell. If you wish to purchase photograps contact Dean at www.fardellphotography.com mobile 07831 500278
Mick Gannon's report follows. English boxers are listed on the left and Scottish boxers on the right.
54kg Adam Cutler v Chris Cowan
A great start to the night, with both boxers going at a blistering pace. Cutler won unanimously as he finished each exchange the better by scoring with extra shots.
57kg George Jupp v Steve Tiffeny
Another very evenly matched bout, with fast, explosive exchanges throughout. It was only the latter part of the match that Jupp stuck to his game plan and took a lead. In the end a very close bout with Jupp getting the nod with a majority decision.
60kg Marlon Mellish v Josh Taylor
Mellish was taking on the Scotland team's most experienced boxer - last year's three nations youth champion and a recent gold medallist from a multination tournament. Mellish was by no means out of his depth as he forced his opponent onto his back foot from the start, switching shots from body to head. It was only later into the second round where Taylor took a lead and maintained it with some well timed, clean shots. A fantastic bout for Mellish, who eventually lost on points.
64kg Graham Keene v Chris McHale
An evenly matched bout, with Keane realising in the second round that changing his angle's attack and coming away from exchanges was leaving holes in his opponent's defence. He scored freely, winning by unanimous decision.
64kg Steve Sweeney v Elias Gear
Sweeney was brought in on the day of the tournament as one of the England team failed to make the weight. He started cautiously, allowing his opponent to dictate the bout, and it wasn't until part way through the second that he realised he had the ability to beat Gear. A great bout for Sweeney, but the decision went, deservedly, to the Scot.
69kg Jordan Dennis v Tom Philibin
Dennis is normally a busy two-hand boxer, but although there was never a great difference in points, he never seemed to commit to attacks, allowing his opponent to score at long range. Philibin received two warnings for laying on, but this was still not enough to nick the decision and the bout went to Philibin on a unanimous vote.
91kg Rob Dupre v Dave Dummond
With the score even at three apiece, the heavyweights went hammer and tongs in a very entertaining bout. With non-stop action all the way, the extra clean landing shots from Dupre gave him the unanimous decision.
Final score: England 4 Scotland 3
