Carlisle Villa ABC celebrated a hugely successful season when they held their annual awards at the Harraby Catholic Club.
The club reflected on what has been one of its most successful seasons both inside and outside of the ring.
The Villa once again saw over 30 boxers register to box competitively this year while major panel judge George Graves and Class A referee Jimmy Brennan have been very busy officiating on shows and championships all over the region.
Having travelled to shows all across England and Scotland, the club also put on two highly successful home shows at The Crown & Mitre Hotel where 16 and 15 bouts took place to sell-out crowds with Villa boxers featuring in every one.
The club competed in over 190 contests on club shows and attended Box Cups all over the country. They also attended a Box Cup in Dublin, the club returning with gold medals from all events.
The club had a fantastic run in the National Championships, with regional champions at all levels. There were two National Schools finalists, both very unfortunate not to win, going down to 3-2 close split decision losses. The club also had one national champion overall – a truly great achievement.
Harley McNeil was named best club boxer and winner of the Brian Jackson Memorial Shield. He is pictured with club chairman George Graves (Image: Carlisle Villa ABC)
At the presentation last Sunday, club coaches were commended for their commitment and dedication, while other thanks were given to the family and friends of those associated with the club for their help throughout the year.
Everyone was updated on the success of the club outside of the ring and special thanks went to Northern Construction who are the club’s main sponsor, and help greatly with kit and equipment throughout the year.
Coogan Pattinson, right, was named best youth/senior (Image: Carlisle Villa ABC)
With plenty of boxers showing promise, Carlisle Villa Boxing Club are already looking forward to next season and will once again be keeping its doors open in the off season for the boxers to keep up their fitness levels.
Awards were presented by one of the Villa’s longest serving members, club secretary Brian Sanderson, and chairman George Graves, who have coached regularly at the club since the early 1980s.
Award winners
Special achievement awards – Tom Clay, George Taylor and Josh Thompson
Most Promising Schools Boxer – David Sykes
Best Schools Boxer performance – Michael Ward (v Thomas Ward, Legends BA Final of New Era Boxcup).
Most Improved Schools Boxer – Frankie Falder
Best School Boxers – Harley McNeil
Most Promising Junior Boxer – Nathan Miller
Best Junior boxer performance – Ethan Falder (v Harry Williams, Tower Hill).
Most Improved Junior Boxer – AJ Sullivan
Best Junior – Olivier Jemilijanovas
Most Promising Youth/Senior Boxer – Hudson Simpson
Best Youth/Senior Boxer performance – Jack Lindsay (v Brad Smith, Bishop Auckland)
Most Improved Youth/Senior Boxer – Ben Reed
Best Youth/Senior – Coogan Pattinson
Overall Club best boxer & Brian Jackson Memorial Shield winner – Harley McNeil