7:50am Thursday 4th February 2010
JUNIOR boxers from Walcot completed an impressive winning treble at the third round stage of the National Schoolboy Championships in Southampton.
Cullum Large got the Swindon gym off to the best possible start with victory over Charlie Wilson from Adur ABC.
The 12-year-old scored with fast left jabs and straight rights from the outset to lead 4-0 after two rounds.
The final round saw Wilson increase his workrate but the Walcot boxer stood firm for an impressive 7-2 points verdict.
Cullum said afterwards: “This is my first year in the schools’ competition so to have reached the national quarter final is brilliant.
“I must thank all my coaches, but especially Sarah Wicks and Harry Scott for helping me get this far.’”
Patrick McDonagh, also 12, was the next Walcot boxer to have his arm raised by the referee.
He encountered the well-regarded Jason West from Woking.
The first round was highly tactical with few scoring shots landed, resulting in a 1-0 lead for the Walcot boxer.
McDonagh raised his game during the middle session to score with southpaw jabs and straight lefts to race into a 5-0 advantage.
The last round was a close affair with the final score being 6-2 to McDonagh.
He said: “It feels great to have beaten this top prospect.
“I now head to the quarter-finals with confidence.’”
Completing the hat-trick was Patrick’s older brother Tommy.
He met last season’s champion Gary Baker in a gripping encounter.
Tommy started well, landing with left jabs and straight rights to register a 3-1 advantage after the opening round.
The middle session saw the 15-year-old continue the good work and take a well-deserved 6-2 lead.
Baker came storming back in the final round but McDonagh held out for a 7-6 winning margin.
He said: “That’s only my second contest of the season so I’m still a bit rusty, but I know I’ll improve as the season progresses.
“He is a former champion so I’m pleased to have beaten him.’”
Chief coach Harry Scott was delighted with his charges, saying: “Today was always going to be tough against the Southern Counties, but our three boys have done us proud.
“Our club is on a tremendous run at the moment, we have won eight out of our last 10 contests.Let’s just hope it continues.”
The next round is in Sittingbourne, Kent, this coming Saturday.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/trade_directory/