West Hill boxers put on a show

Alfie Chapman and Gareth Thomas flew the flag for the Hastings club at Aylesham on Thursday, last week, and both emerged triumphant from a couple of thrilling bouts.

Thomas was up against local favourite Harry Murley and in a cracking toe-to-toe 73 kilos contest the young West Hill powerhouse won on a majority decision.

Chapman was also pitched against an Aylesham opponent in Bradley Thorpe and in a virtual carbon copy of Thomas' bout this also had the crowd on its feet. But once again the home supporters were disappointed as Chapman used his skills to claim a unanimous points victory. West Hill coach Dave Bishop said: "It was a great performance from Alfie, it's looking good for him."

The following night two club boxers travelled to Crawley to take part in a show against a couple of Army boys at Effingham Park.

George Chapman may not have been in tip-top shape but still had too much for Guy Kinuthai, his corner throwing in the towel 30 seconds into the third and final round after he had been caught by a succession of a body shots. Also on the bill was Barry Buchanan who lost on a majority decision against Gary Taylor.

Four young boxers were in action at the National Novice Cadet Championships at Leamington in the New Forest on Saturday.

Three fought in straight finals and the odd one out, Ben White, had to contest a semi-final against Connor Malloy which the West Hill youngster won unanimously despite being knocked down in the second round. Ben, who turned in a "lovely performance in the third round", goes on to the final at Guildford on November 6.

Simon Powell was stopped by Lawrence Blakely (Hampshire) in the second round, Lee Jones was on the end of a unanimous points defeat at the hands of David Tabb (Bognor), as was George Bristow against Mohammed Hanifa (Hampshire).

Five West Hill members travel to Aveley in Essex to compete in what is expected to be a demanding NACYP Regional Finals on Saturday October 30. On the bill will be Jason Brooker, Shaun Attrell, Luke and Alfie Chapman and Bruce Lawson. Bishop said: "If we can get two or three through we will be happy."