Southern Counties NABC Championships.

16 year old Lee Mills had mixed results in the Southern area NABC championships in Leysdown last Sunday. With three entrants in his  (class A under 60kgs) weight class, a draw was made to see who would box off in the semi-finals and who would have a walkover to the final later the same day. Not only did Mills have the misfortune to be drawn to box off in the first Bout, but his opponent was the experienced M. Blunt (Moulscoome, Brighton). Taking part in just his 10th bout, Mills showed great poise to outbox an opponent who had more wins, than Mills had bouts, for a unanimous points win. However, Mills was then faced with another daunting task on taking on T. Vincent (Woking), who not only was fresh, but was a former National finalist with 27 wins from 33 bouts. A tense opener saw both standing off, before Mills being countered on the way in by the classy Vincent just before the bell. After being told that he would need to put Vincent under pressure and knock him out of his stride if he was going to have any chance of progressing, Mills stormed back to catch Vincent with several clean combinations in the second round. Vincent was not nearly as comfortable boxing off the ropes and Vincent looked tired as he walked back to his corner after the second round. However, the 5 rounds Mills had already boxed that day were also starting to take its toll on him and although Lee tried to press the action again in the final round, he couldn’t quite summon the energy to land enough combinations to turn the tide. The judges awarded the bout to Vincent, but there was no shame in losing to such a class act. Mills had suitably impressed his new coaches at St Marys ABC, by his brave efforts and with more experience, they believe he will be very good prospect for future honours.

19 year old Daniel Woledge is left to fly the flag in these championships, when he was awarded a walkover to the national quarter finals, as there was no one at his age, weight and standard available. Oliver Edwards is representing St Mary’s in the Southern counties senior novices this Saturday in Camberley. The 18 year old is looking to extend his unbeaten record to 5, but will have his work cut out when he faces  older and more experienced opponent from the Golden Ring club in Southampton. However, the Sheppey based boxer has being training hard and is hopeful of causing an upset