AFTER what head coach Steve Woods described as a “stressful week”, Chepstow Boxing Club held a very successful show at the Severn Bridge Club in Bulwark, writes Bob Cypher.

“We had opponents pulling out, weights changing and all sorts of things but I managed to get 13 matches on the show,” Woods said later.

“What a show it was, every bout was evenly matched and very competitive .

“We had seven of our club’s boxers on the bill and they all gave a fantastic performance which was a credit to the club.

“Willander Ordinando was first up, the nine-year-old taking part in a skills bout where there is no winner or loser, the lads just show what they have learned,

“Next was Jerry Cash (10) who won by a split decision.

“Oliver Russell (12) boxed James Connors of Splott (Cardiff).

“Russell used his height advantage and boxing skill very well against his opponent who was a very strong lad who kept the pressure on, but Oliver won comfortably in the end.

“Tommy Dolan (12) fought Kai Powell of Cwmcarn and again it was a great bout.

“Tommy lost by a split decision."

Gussy Cash (13) took on Southampton boxer Steve McCarthy and had to be on his best form to take the win in what could have been the best bout of the night.

Both boxers showed fantastic boxing skills but Gussy won the bout.

“There were some great matches between the visiting clubs who came from Southampton, Swansea, north Wales and West Mercia,” Woods explained.

The local club had two more boxers on the bill and after a short interval, the action resumed with 17-year-old Luke Connor against Kieran Bragg of Synwell.

“Although Luke lost the bout it wasn’t through lack of heart and this proved to be a very tough bout for both boxers," said Woods.

“Finally, we had Patrick Larkin who boxed in his first elite contest.

“Elite is for seniors aged between 18 and 40 and the boxers do not wear headguards.

“What a fight this was! Patrick shared the ring with Mark Davies of Caerphilly BC and both boxers put absolutely everything into every round, neither willing to give an inch, the crowd loved it.

“There was an accidental clash of heads in round two which left Patrick with a small cut above one eye but after the doctor took a look, he decided the bout could continue.

“All three rounds were an absolute war. Davies seemed that little bit fitter by the end of round three and ended the rightful winner.

“He was also awarded best boxer of the night.

“It was a fantastic show and we coaches were extremely pleased with the performances our boxers put in.”