Porthcawl & Pyle Boxers Succeed at Welsh National Open Championship
Last weekend saw young boxers from Porthcawl & Pyle ABC representing their club and local community in the Finals of The Welsh National Open Championship, with a chance to win the coveted Red Vest to represent Wales. This was a first for the club in over 4 years.
First due up was Carmen Lynch in the 57kg junior females category. Carmen had put in many hours of hard work and training to reach match fitness, although at the last minute news filtered through at the weigh in that her opponent had withdrawn from the competition, meaning Carmen was automatically crowned as Welsh Champion for 2019. Carmen was invited up to The Welsh Performance Squad for a 2 day assessment, offering the possibility to join the national team.
Second up was Dafydd Jones. Dafydd had entered the competition after winning the Welsh Novice championship back in October. and wanted to continue his success by adding the main Championship title to his achievements. Dafydd had to box through the quarter finals and semi-final’s pulling off two impressive wins on route to the final where he then came up against a tough lad from Splott ABC, Dafydd stuck to the game plan landing fast clean counter punches on the back foot, leading to him claiming the crown as Welsh Open champion. His performance both in the ring and during qualifying impressed Welsh squad leaders.
Finally, Solomon Kembrey entered the ring. Sol had entered the tournament despite only having 1 bout for experience. Sol is a big lad for his age – at 75kg junior, his coaches have struggled to find bouts for him.
However, Sol’s coaches had full faith in his ability, having seen him progress during training at the gym and backed him to have a shot at the title, Solomon was drawn against a former Welsh champion with over 20 fights experience. This did not deter Solomon or his coaches, he stepped in and gave an amazing performance, boxing well and delivering a number of powerful blows to his opponent. In the end, his opponent’s experience showed and Solomon accepted defeat graciously, however he exceeded all expectations during the bout.
Sol left with many people describing him as a future talent to watch and a future Welsh Champion in the making!
Sean Evans also boxed in the senior elite championship in the earlier rounds, Sean had entered the tournament on a run of good form and confidence high. In the first round of the competition he drew a strong, rangey opponent and struggled with the range for the 1st round. Sean soon figured his opponent out and fought his way back into the fight finishing strongly, unfortunately not quite enough to get the decision but a fantastic effort for his first time boxing at Elite senior level!
Both Dafydd and Carmen, who impressed during her 2 day selection trial under the Welsh National coaching team have now formally been invited to also represent Wales at the upcoming GB 3 nations championship at The Welsh institute of sport in Sophia Gardens on 3rd and 4th May.
Porthcawl & Pyle ABC Coaches Wayne Charles and Shane Lynch said in a club statement:
“This is an outstanding achievement for youngsters coming out of Porthcawl & Pyle ABC to go on to represent their country. This is what the club is all about, helping keep kids off the street and out of trouble whilst also giving them the opportunity and guidance to help them achieve their dreams in the sport.”
We are incredibly proud of the outcome of the Championship after all the training and preparation that went into getting the boxers ready – and we are now excited to see our members among the Welsh squad at the GB 3 Nation tournament – we wish them all the best and hope they will bring a medal or two back to Porthcawl & Pyle ABC.”
To learn more about the club, email Porthcawlpumas@hotmail.co.uk
The Boxing Club is open:
Tuesday & Thursday- 4:30pm till 5:30pm (8 years old + novices) 5:30pm till 6:30pm experienced boxers.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday- 5:30pm till 7pm seniors & boxers