AUGUST 07
Bridgefoot Police ABC - Annual Presentation
5th August 2007 it was an excellent turn out with all boxers from the season receiving a trophy for all their hard work and commitment put in this season. It was a good season for the individual boxers but also the best season Bridgefoot Police has had in the 9 years it has been established for boxers and coaches alike.
Amanda Groarke is getting a lot of experience on the international circuit, with the England Female squad. She has been to Ireland for a European female training camp, which was extremely informative as she was working with other national coaches. She also went to Turkey, under the guidance of Alwyn Belcher. Next up is the female camp at Hopwood Hall on the 20th August 07 and then Denmark for the European female championships, so all in all a very busy schedule.
In 2003 the first female boxer for Bridgefoot Police was Vicky Tate she won the ABA title when it first came out. This season 3 of Bridgefoot Police females had their first contests. Heather Williams had 2 contests with 1 win and 1 loss. Catherine Davies had 2 Kid Gloves as her opponent has to heavy for a proper contest. Jessica Ward who travelled 1300 miles for 2 contests, her first was in Essex which she lost to a local girl Rachel Wheatley and the second contest was in Hull against another hometown girl Jessica Beedham which Jessica Ward won unanimously, Jessica can't wait for a rematch with Rachel so she can even the score, as her defeat was contentious to say the least.
Danny Hodge also in his first season had 4 contests winning 3, he ruptured his bicep half way through the season, then still went on to win the Golden Belt 83kg title, well done Danny!!
Michael Yuile had his first contest on 23rd Feb, up to 9th June he had 9 contests. He lost in the Golden Belt quarter finals 4 points to 3.
Jordan West has also had a good season up to him injuring his hand; he made it to the Schoolboy Golden Gloves Final but lost on points.
Danny Craven and Declan West are looking good for next season.
Rhys Yates was back on winning form making it to the quarter finals of the Golden Belt; he was beaten by the eventual winner Joseph Hunt St George ABC.
Lee Ward won the ABA title for the 2nd year on the run, unfortunately Lee could not compete in the British competition due to fracturing his finger; unlucky Lee.
Tom Spicer has had a big step up in class this season fighting the No1 and No3 in England.
Everyone else is improving week on week so we will be very strong next season.
Bridgefoot Police also saw the retirement of Danny Potter who was one of the most under rated boxers on the circuit today. He travelled from Southport to Warrington 3 times a week to train no matter what; he came to us from Burscough ABC which closed down. Danny was a very exciting 4 round boxer, who would box anyone anywhere. He is married to Joan and has 4 lovely children. He will be sadly missed by everyone at the gym, good luck Danny it was a pleasure to train you and to meet your family.
On a more personal note I would like to thank my friend and assistant coach Ray Gilbody, who everyone knows was a great boxer and is still a great coach, he currently helps to coach the junior sessions.
Jay Ward who is doing a brilliant job with the website and has some really good ideas, keep it up Jay you're a star!!
JUNE 07
Amanda Groarke is getting a lot of experience on the international circuit, with the England Female squad. She has been to Ireland for a European female training camp, which was extremely informative as she was working with other national coaches. She also went to Turkey, under the guidance of Alwyn Belcher. Next up is the female camp at Hopwood Hall on the 20th August 07 and then Denmark for the European female championships, so all in all a very busy schedule.
In 2003 the first female boxer for Bridgefoot Police was Vicky Tate she won the ABA title when it first came out. This season 3 of Bridgefoot Police females had their first contests. Heather Williams had 2 contests with 1 win and 1 loss. Catherine Davies had 2 Kid Gloves as her opponent has to heavy for a proper contest. Jessica Ward who travelled 1300 miles for 2 contests, her first was in Essex which she lost to a local girl Rachel Wheatley and the second contest was in Hull against another hometown girl Jessica Beedham which Jessica Ward won unanimously, Jessica can't wait for a rematch with Rachel so she can even the score, as her defeat was contentious to say the least.
Danny Hodge also in his first season had 4 contests winning 3, he ruptured his bicep half way through the season, then still went on to win the Golden Belt 83kg title, well done Danny!!
Michael Yuile had his first contest on 23rd Feb, up to 9th June he had 9 contests. He lost in the Golden Belt quarter finals 4 points to 3.
Jordan West has also had a good season up to him injuring his hand; he made it to the Schoolboy Golden Gloves Final but lost on points.
Danny Craven and Declan West are looking good for next season.
Rhys Yates was back on winning form making it to the quarter finals of the Golden Belt; he was beaten by the eventual winner Joseph Hunt St George ABC.
Lee Ward won the ABA title for the 2nd year on the run, unfortunately Lee could not compete in the British competition due to fracturing his finger; unlucky Lee.
Tom Spicer has had a big step up in class this season fighting the No1 and No3 in England.
Everyone else is improving week on week so we will be very strong next season.
Bridgefoot Police also saw the retirement of Danny Potter who was one of the most under rated boxers on the circuit today. He travelled from Southport to Warrington 3 times a week to train no matter what; he came to us from Burscough ABC which closed down. Danny was a very exciting 4 round boxer, who would box anyone anywhere. He is married to Joan and has 4 lovely children. He will be sadly missed by everyone at the gym, good luck Danny it was a pleasure to train you and to meet your family.
On a more personal note I would like to thank my friend and assistant coach Ray Gilbody, who everyone knows was a great boxer and is still a great coach, he currently helps to coach the junior sessions.
Jay Ward who is doing a brilliant job with the website and has some really good ideas, keep it up Jay you're a star!!
JUNE 07
Danny Hodge Wins National Golden Belt
Saturday 30th June 07 Bridgefoot Police Cruiserweight prospect 16 year old Danny Hodge won the National Golden Belt final on at Knottingley Sports Centre.
Danny who is in his first season as an amateur boxer, won the class 4 (boxers born in 1991) in the last weight category 80-85kgs. He boxed Michael Gallagher Finchley & District ABC. Gallagher is a very technical boxer and pushed Danny all the way to the final bell, in what was a very close and evenly matched contest. This was Danny's first fight since rupturing his bicep in his last fight. Danny was advised by our Physiotherapist not to use his right hand for 6 weeks, as it could make he problem worse if he did with the end result being an operation to fix the problem. He did as he was advised, but never stopped training, as he didn't want to lose his fitness. For the 3 weeks prior to the fight he was in the gym training 6 days a week. This shows his commitment and determination, which enabled him to fight in the Golden Belt.
The contest was won 3 points to 2 in Danny's favour, well done Danny you deserve it!
Danny who is in his first season as an amateur boxer, won the class 4 (boxers born in 1991) in the last weight category 80-85kgs. He boxed Michael Gallagher Finchley & District ABC. Gallagher is a very technical boxer and pushed Danny all the way to the final bell, in what was a very close and evenly matched contest. This was Danny's first fight since rupturing his bicep in his last fight. Danny was advised by our Physiotherapist not to use his right hand for 6 weeks, as it could make he problem worse if he did with the end result being an operation to fix the problem. He did as he was advised, but never stopped training, as he didn't want to lose his fitness. For the 3 weeks prior to the fight he was in the gym training 6 days a week. This shows his commitment and determination, which enabled him to fight in the Golden Belt.
The contest was won 3 points to 2 in Danny's favour, well done Danny you deserve it!
Northwest vs Midlands & Southern Counties
9th June 07 Royal Belt Quarter Finals. Bridgefoot boxers Rhys Yates and Michael Yuile were both beaten in the quarter finals but not by their opponents.
First up was Michael Yuile against Ben Kirby Burton ABC. This contest on paper would have been an excellent contest, with both boxers having similar records. Michael had his first bout 23rd Feb 07, from then he has gone on to 6 wins and 2 loses, Ben Kirby 7 wins 2 loses. This was a very scrappy contest with both boys going into the last round with 2 points each, Kirby was getting very frustrated and could not catch Yuile who was always moving around, catching Kirby with counter punches. The final score was a shock to not only us but also other spectators 4 to 3 in favour of Kirby. Michael definitely won the last round, never mind mate you have had an excellent first season keep it up!!!
Rhys Yates was up against Joseph Hunt St George ABC this was another well matched contest. The first round had both boxers at 2 points each, to our surprise the second round saw Rhys get an 8 count. Hunt caught Rhys with a good right hand in the corner, Rhys stepped back with his hand covering his face, then he hit Hunt with 2 good left right punches, surprisingly the midlands referee gave Rhys a standing count. So at the end of round 2 the score was Yates 5 and Hunt 8. What the judges are looking for is beyond me but it certainly isn't boxing ability. The Last round Yates won by a mile, catching Hunt with every punch in the book, Rhys had him in the corner catching him with 6 consecutive clean punches while Hunt just covered up. The Referee said break my thoughts were about time, he is going to give an 8 count, but no the referee walked up to Hunt and started to adjust his head guard. Cheers mate thanks for nothing. Final score 15 to 13 in favour of Hunt, it was a good contest but wrong decision. Good luck Joseph in the rest of the competition.
Bridgefoot boxer Danny Hodge is the only other we have in the competition boxing in the final on 30th June 07, he is up against Michael Gallagher Anchley & District ABC. Good luck mate!!
This will be the end of another excellent season for Bridgefoot ABC, with the boxers getting noticed on the circuit around the country, everyone is doing well getting better and better. We (Derek and Amanda) are very proud of your achievements, and your commitment to the club. As long as you give your best that is all we expect, win or lose isn't the issue.
MAY 07
First up was Michael Yuile against Ben Kirby Burton ABC. This contest on paper would have been an excellent contest, with both boxers having similar records. Michael had his first bout 23rd Feb 07, from then he has gone on to 6 wins and 2 loses, Ben Kirby 7 wins 2 loses. This was a very scrappy contest with both boys going into the last round with 2 points each, Kirby was getting very frustrated and could not catch Yuile who was always moving around, catching Kirby with counter punches. The final score was a shock to not only us but also other spectators 4 to 3 in favour of Kirby. Michael definitely won the last round, never mind mate you have had an excellent first season keep it up!!!
Rhys Yates was up against Joseph Hunt St George ABC this was another well matched contest. The first round had both boxers at 2 points each, to our surprise the second round saw Rhys get an 8 count. Hunt caught Rhys with a good right hand in the corner, Rhys stepped back with his hand covering his face, then he hit Hunt with 2 good left right punches, surprisingly the midlands referee gave Rhys a standing count. So at the end of round 2 the score was Yates 5 and Hunt 8. What the judges are looking for is beyond me but it certainly isn't boxing ability. The Last round Yates won by a mile, catching Hunt with every punch in the book, Rhys had him in the corner catching him with 6 consecutive clean punches while Hunt just covered up. The Referee said break my thoughts were about time, he is going to give an 8 count, but no the referee walked up to Hunt and started to adjust his head guard. Cheers mate thanks for nothing. Final score 15 to 13 in favour of Hunt, it was a good contest but wrong decision. Good luck Joseph in the rest of the competition.
Bridgefoot boxer Danny Hodge is the only other we have in the competition boxing in the final on 30th June 07, he is up against Michael Gallagher Anchley & District ABC. Good luck mate!!
This will be the end of another excellent season for Bridgefoot ABC, with the boxers getting noticed on the circuit around the country, everyone is doing well getting better and better. We (Derek and Amanda) are very proud of your achievements, and your commitment to the club. As long as you give your best that is all we expect, win or lose isn't the issue.
MAY 07
Northwest Counties Golden Belt Champions
20th May 07 Bridgefoot Police boxers Michael Yuile and Rhys Yates were both in action in the Northwest counties finals at Woodhouse Park Lifestyles Centre, Wythenshaw.
Michael Yuile was up against a very tall Charles O'Brien Failsworth ABC in the class 5 1990 under 60kg category. Michael had to force the pace through out the contest; his opponent was using his long reach and staying on his back foot. The first 2 rounds were a close 3 points each, in the last round Michael new he had to pick the pace up and force the fight keeping O'Brien under constant pressure. The final bell result was 7 points to 4 in Michaels favour.
Rhys Yates was up against a strong and compact Patrick Ward Broadshaw ABC. The 1st round was very close and high scoring but Rhys was 2 points behind. In the 2nd Rhys started to use the ring more but Ward kept putting him under pressure on the ropes. Rhys worked well and started moving side to side, with Ward getting to egar and going into the ropes on a couple of occasions, the second round had Rhys 1 point behind. In the 3rd round Rhys caught Ward with a right cross, which cut his eyebrow the referee stopped the fight in favour of Rhys.
We have 3 boxers in the Quarter finals, who will box the winners of the Midlands Vs Southern Counties on Sunday 9th June
Michael Yuile was up against a very tall Charles O'Brien Failsworth ABC in the class 5 1990 under 60kg category. Michael had to force the pace through out the contest; his opponent was using his long reach and staying on his back foot. The first 2 rounds were a close 3 points each, in the last round Michael new he had to pick the pace up and force the fight keeping O'Brien under constant pressure. The final bell result was 7 points to 4 in Michaels favour.
Rhys Yates was up against a strong and compact Patrick Ward Broadshaw ABC. The 1st round was very close and high scoring but Rhys was 2 points behind. In the 2nd Rhys started to use the ring more but Ward kept putting him under pressure on the ropes. Rhys worked well and started moving side to side, with Ward getting to egar and going into the ropes on a couple of occasions, the second round had Rhys 1 point behind. In the 3rd round Rhys caught Ward with a right cross, which cut his eyebrow the referee stopped the fight in favour of Rhys.
We have 3 boxers in the Quarter finals, who will box the winners of the Midlands Vs Southern Counties on Sunday 9th June
2 Bridgefoot Boxers pick up West Lancs and Cheshire Golden Belt Titles
12th May 07 First up was Michael Yuile who was beaten on points, on 7th May by an undefeated Shield Vauxhall ABC. Shield could not attend the WLAC final so Michael was given another chance. He had to work extremely hard in this bout but finally gained a points decision over Gary Smith Gemini ABC, Smith pushed Michael to the final bell. He could not match Michaels work rate and his cleaner punches.
Rhys Yates was up against a very aggressive Mark Cantley Avalon ABC. Rhys fitness and boxing ability shone through. Cantley tried his best to keep Rhys on the ropes hitting him with some very hard body punches; Cantley has stopped 4 of his 5 opponents. In the 2nd round Yates used his fitness and boxing ability to move around the ring, and catch Cantley with some very long punches. Yates took a well deserved decision to be crowned WLAC champion. Yates and Yuile will be competing in the North West Counties Finals Sun 20th May.
Rhys Yates was up against a very aggressive Mark Cantley Avalon ABC. Rhys fitness and boxing ability shone through. Cantley tried his best to keep Rhys on the ropes hitting him with some very hard body punches; Cantley has stopped 4 of his 5 opponents. In the 2nd round Yates used his fitness and boxing ability to move around the ring, and catch Cantley with some very long punches. Yates took a well deserved decision to be crowned WLAC champion. Yates and Yuile will be competing in the North West Counties Finals Sun 20th May.
2007 Under 10 Contest - Dockers Club Liverpool
Tue 8th May 07 Bridgefoot Police ABC weighed in 3 boxers in the contest for boxers born between 1990-1991
Danny Hodge born 1991 was in the under 85kg class, there was no opponent for him to fight in the West Lancs area, he will be in the Northwest Counties final without throwing a punch.
Michael Yuile born 1990 was in the under 60kg class was up against a very strong T. Shields of Vauxhall ABC. Shields has a record 6 wins out of 6 fights, with 3 stoppages. Michael had a very quiet first round, which probably cost him the contest. He then began to box well, making the other rounds close; he was not fazed by the power of Shields. Michael was disappointed in himself, but he needs to realise he only had his first fight on 23rd February 2007, since then he has had 6 contests winning four of those. Keep up the excellent work Mike!!
Rhys Yates was up against Shaun McArdle Sefton ABC. McArdle did well but wasn't in the same class as Rhys who dominated the entire contest, to take a clear points decision. Rhys will now fight in the Skelmersdale show, in the West Lancs. final. Rhys will have to overcome a small problem though; he doesn't like fighting without his coach Amanda Groarke in his corner. She is away in Istanbul with the England Female National Squad, this will further her knowledge of international boxing which can only be an asset to all Bridgefoot Police boxers, male and female alike.
Danny Hodge born 1991 was in the under 85kg class, there was no opponent for him to fight in the West Lancs area, he will be in the Northwest Counties final without throwing a punch.
Michael Yuile born 1990 was in the under 60kg class was up against a very strong T. Shields of Vauxhall ABC. Shields has a record 6 wins out of 6 fights, with 3 stoppages. Michael had a very quiet first round, which probably cost him the contest. He then began to box well, making the other rounds close; he was not fazed by the power of Shields. Michael was disappointed in himself, but he needs to realise he only had his first fight on 23rd February 2007, since then he has had 6 contests winning four of those. Keep up the excellent work Mike!!
Rhys Yates was up against Shaun McArdle Sefton ABC. McArdle did well but wasn't in the same class as Rhys who dominated the entire contest, to take a clear points decision. Rhys will now fight in the Skelmersdale show, in the West Lancs. final. Rhys will have to overcome a small problem though; he doesn't like fighting without his coach Amanda Groarke in his corner. She is away in Istanbul with the England Female National Squad, this will further her knowledge of international boxing which can only be an asset to all Bridgefoot Police boxers, male and female alike.
Lee Ward wins his second Royal Navy Junior ABA National Title.
Saturday 5th May 07 Lee Ward wins the Class 6 50kg category, to add to last years class 5 48kg win. Lee was up against Danny Lawlor Birmingham ABC. Lawlor is also an experienced campaigner; he holds at least 23 national titles. 2006 National ABA class 5 46kg category and this year he gained the CYP national title, under 48kg. This was always going to be a very close contest, which Ward won on a count back score of 9-7.
The first round score came out at 0-0, with both boys working hard and being cautious so not to get caught with a counter punch. The second round had Ward at 3-1 with some really good exchanges from both boys. Round three saw Ward at 5-3. In the last round Lawlor came in for the kill, catching Lee with some good punches. Lee kept moving and tried not to get involved in a war. Lawlor was given a public warning for holding, but was not able to take the decision from Lee. Well done Lee, I think he may be the only Warrington based boxer to win 2 ABA titles on the bounce!
There will not be a four nation's competition this year as Ireland is doing its own thing, but bring on the Scottish and Welsh champions, as Lee is ready.
APRIL 07
Friday 27th April 2007. Bridgefoot Police ABC kept to there winning form at the Kidsgrove ABC show in Stoke, winning 3 out of 4 contests.
Jack Pennington was up against C. Price Kidsgrove ABC. This was Jacks first contest, Jack showed loads of determination, and given more experience will have a lot more to offer. It was an excellent bout with Jack pushing his opponent all the way to the final Bell. Hard look Jack but you boxed really well!!
Danny Craven was in top form against J. Halkin Kidsgrove ABC. This fight was stopped in side the first minute. Halkin could not cope with Danny's work rate, speed and accuracy: to both the head and body.
Heather Williams was also in fine form against S. Hulse of Kidsgrove ABC. Hulse was totally overpowered by Williams speed and pure punching power, Williams gave Hulse 2 standing counts in the first round. The referee intervened and stopped the fight to save Hulse further punishment.
Michael Yuile Kept to his winning form against R. Humphries of Kidsgrove ABC, this was a one sided return contest. Humphries was busy but Yuile blocked most of his shots, he also kept Humphries under constant pressure. The end result was a unanimous decision in favour of Yuile.
This was another excellent night for Bridgefoot Police ABC, who is building an excellent reputation on the boxing circuit, all around the country.
Friday 20th April 07. Bridgefoot boxer Michael Yuile was back in action on the Phoenix show, held at St Basils Social Club Widnes. Michael was the only boxer representing Bridgefoot Police ABC. He was up against a tall and rangy H. Singh Old Trafford ABC. Both boxers had the same record won 2 lost 1, which on paper is an excellent match. Both boys gave an excellent performance, Yuile moved well and blocked a lot of Singh's leading jabs, he also threw some excellent counter punches. The contest was close but Yuile took a unanimous decision from the judges, taking Michael to 3 wins in 4 contests. Good going for a lad who had his first contest 23rd Feb. 07, well done Michael and keep up the excellent work!!
The first round score came out at 0-0, with both boys working hard and being cautious so not to get caught with a counter punch. The second round had Ward at 3-1 with some really good exchanges from both boys. Round three saw Ward at 5-3. In the last round Lawlor came in for the kill, catching Lee with some good punches. Lee kept moving and tried not to get involved in a war. Lawlor was given a public warning for holding, but was not able to take the decision from Lee. Well done Lee, I think he may be the only Warrington based boxer to win 2 ABA titles on the bounce!
There will not be a four nation's competition this year as Ireland is doing its own thing, but bring on the Scottish and Welsh champions, as Lee is ready.
APRIL 07
Friday 27th April 2007. Bridgefoot Police ABC kept to there winning form at the Kidsgrove ABC show in Stoke, winning 3 out of 4 contests.
Jack Pennington was up against C. Price Kidsgrove ABC. This was Jacks first contest, Jack showed loads of determination, and given more experience will have a lot more to offer. It was an excellent bout with Jack pushing his opponent all the way to the final Bell. Hard look Jack but you boxed really well!!
Danny Craven was in top form against J. Halkin Kidsgrove ABC. This fight was stopped in side the first minute. Halkin could not cope with Danny's work rate, speed and accuracy: to both the head and body.
Heather Williams was also in fine form against S. Hulse of Kidsgrove ABC. Hulse was totally overpowered by Williams speed and pure punching power, Williams gave Hulse 2 standing counts in the first round. The referee intervened and stopped the fight to save Hulse further punishment.
Michael Yuile Kept to his winning form against R. Humphries of Kidsgrove ABC, this was a one sided return contest. Humphries was busy but Yuile blocked most of his shots, he also kept Humphries under constant pressure. The end result was a unanimous decision in favour of Yuile.
This was another excellent night for Bridgefoot Police ABC, who is building an excellent reputation on the boxing circuit, all around the country.
Friday 20th April 07. Bridgefoot boxer Michael Yuile was back in action on the Phoenix show, held at St Basils Social Club Widnes. Michael was the only boxer representing Bridgefoot Police ABC. He was up against a tall and rangy H. Singh Old Trafford ABC. Both boxers had the same record won 2 lost 1, which on paper is an excellent match. Both boys gave an excellent performance, Yuile moved well and blocked a lot of Singh's leading jabs, he also threw some excellent counter punches. The contest was close but Yuile took a unanimous decision from the judges, taking Michael to 3 wins in 4 contests. Good going for a lad who had his first contest 23rd Feb. 07, well done Michael and keep up the excellent work!!
