BOXING: AFTER several years of transition, Ellesmere Port's oldest boxing club Golden Star is looking forward to shining brightly again.
Head coach Carl Teasdale is convinced that his club, backed by North West Agencies Ltd, has an exciting future ahead with a gym full of hungry novices champing at the bit to gain experience in the ring.
He said: 'The Golden Star is well and truly back on its feet. We have a determined group of around seven lads now who we're looking to use regularly.
'Some have had more contests under their belts than others but we just want to get them all into action now. It's all a learning curve for them and the only way they'll get better is to gain experience.
'While winning is always sweet, I'm not too concerned about results at the moment and you can always win everything, especially with young boxers but even if you learn, your powers of learning increase as you can only study a loss. It's all about the kids and developing their talents.'
Teasdale's main squad includes John Fry, Rob Yandell, Ashley Dodd, Thomas Welsh, Jake Connor, Tony Devoy and Sam Gillis while there are plenty of other youngsters waiting in the wings.
It's been a remarkable year considering that Teasdale wasn't even able to train with his boxers for several months due to an injury at work.
He said: 'I had to get my assistants trained up but they've all done a smashing job, keeping the club running during my absence.
'Daz Tornetta, 'The Italian Stallion', is second to none with his preparation and fitness regimes while Ian Ross has displayed many of the skills that he has learned from Charlie Beswick and myself.'
The season might not yet be over for Golden Star as Rob Yandell is eager for a rematch against St Helens' Bernard Reinne, who edged him out in the ABA Championships.
Teasdale is hoping to pencil-in the Chester ABC's dinner show at the Moat House Hotel on June 10 for the bout.
He said: 'This current group have lots of heart and they're learning how to be disciplined both in and out of the ring. Like it says on our gym wall - 'Do as you're asked when you're asked. Do as you're told when you're told. Now box on.'
