West Hill chase national glory

Jason Brooker was a finalist in 2002-03 and several fighters reached advanced stages last year but the ultimate prize has hitherto eluded them.

"It's looking good," Bishop said when describing the prospects for the new campaign. "All the boys are looking nice and sharp and maybe this is the season where we might get a national champion. We've been coming so close, we just haven't quite had the luck. There's a few juniors who could do it and we've had a couple of boys box for England. Last year was a good season but I'm hoping we can do better this year, although we need a bit of luck along the line."

Hopes are again high for Brooker and Shaun Attrell, both of whom represented the England police side last season, as well as the likes of Bruce Lawson and Conroy Gaynor. The fast-improving Gareth Thomas, meanwhile, could turn out to the surprise packet of the term.

The county rounds, what little there is likely to be of them, of the NABC Championships take place on Saturday October 16.

West Hill Boxing Club squad 2004-05: Shaun Attrell, George Bristow, Jason Brooker, Barry Buchanan, Dennis Buchanan, Alfie Chapman, George Chapman, Luke Chapman, Conroy Gaynor, Adam Hanniver, Lee Jones, Bruce Lawson, Simon Powell, Gareth Thomas, John Verlander, Ben White.