BOXING: Springhill boxers perform well at Nine Counties Novice Championship

Five boxers in all took part and this included three young lady boxers, the first time a club in this area has put girls in the ring.

On Monday last, Joe Maynes entered the ring for his first bout and he really gave it his all. Joe, boxing to orders, really did well and when the decision came, it was something of a surprise that Joe lost a majority decision to Thomas Ramsey (Carndonagh BC Donegal).

Joe took the decision in his stride and said that he was looking forward to the next time he can get in the ring.

Next up was the club's first lady boxer, Erin Rose O'Neill - daughter of head coach John O'Neill.

Erin, a little nervous at the start, got better as the bout progresses but in the end lost a close fight with L Clarke (Carndonagh BC). Erin was disappointed but the experience will have done her good.

Onto Saturday when the club had Kevin Corcoran in against Charlie Colton (Cappagh BC). Kevin won this on a scoreline of 4-0, however this was not one of Kevin's better performances as he struggled at times to find his feet and settle down. But he was just that little bit better than Colton and truly deserved his win.

Springhill's other two lady boxers were declared Nine Counties champions on a walkover as there was nobody to box at their weight.

This meant that the final take for the club was three champions, one finalist and one quarter-finalist.

The club is now looking forward to the next batch of boys who will box in the Nine Counties age groups 14, 15 and 16. These championships will be held in Clonoe Boxing Club at the end of the month.

The club, now in its eighth year, is going strong. On any given night, there can be up to 25 boys and girls training, but the club is still on the lookout for more young people to take up the sport. It may seem a little tough and the training is hard, but the rewards are tremendous.

Anyone wishing to join the club should come along to the clubrooms, situated at the bottom of Chapel Hill, Moneymore in a building commonly known as the 'Barn Loft'. Signs are posted at the gates of the premises.

Training starts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night at 7.15pm sharp.

Ladies keep fit (boxercise)

Every Tuesday and Thursday night the club is handed over to the ladies, as it's their turn to be put through their paces under the watchful eye of their experienced boxing coach.

These ladies pound away and have great fun in what they do. It's not all serious; they enjoy what they are doing and yet work hard in order to keep themselves in shape.

All it costs for this experience is 3 for one night, 5 for two. So come along ladies and give it a go.

Junior boxing class

The club is running a very successful junior class for boys and girls aged 5-10 years.

The class is well attended but there is room for a few more. Springhill take pride in this class as they are the only club in Ulster to supply this option.

All classes are taken by fully-qualified boxing coaches and fully trained child protection officers. The kids are taught the basic rules of boxing and are taught to respect their coaches and people over them.

The class takes place every Wednesday from 6-7pm, admission 2.

Sponsorship appeal

The club has this year come up with a novel way of sponsorship by the club's main sponsor, Sean Connery of 'Top Frame Engineering'.

The club is asking any company who would like to help to get in touch with John O'Neill at the club premises and he will fill you in with all the details.