GB Schools Three Nations 2019 – day one semi-finals report

England, Scotland and Wales all enjoyed their moments of success on a pulsating day of semi-final action at the GB Schools Three Nations 2019, held at the Barnsley Metrodome.

A total of 32 bouts took place across weights ranging from Under 32kg to Under 62kg, with places in tomorrow’s (Sunday’s) finals up for grabs.

It was hosts England who got off to a flying start and they dominated the lower weights, winning the first three bouts and nine out of the first 11.

Those victories included an RSC for Quie Coleman in the Male Under 35.5kg category against Wales’ Marcus Miller and Denaeo George at Under 37kg, who won unanimously against Scotland’s Marky Alexander to set up an all-English Final against Francie Coyle.

“I was pleased with how I boxed and it felt comfortable – I felt like I won every round,” said the City of Leicester boxer.

“I used my jab to keep him at long range. I boxed Francie in the (England Boxing National) Schools Championships the other week and won that, so hopefully I can do it again.”

Other Schools Championships rematches – staged at the K2 Crawley last month – have already take place.

Harry Wilson gained sweet revenge by earning a split decision in the Male under 56kg category against West Ham’s Anthony Connors, who had previously inflicted the Pinewood boxer’s first defeat.

He said: “It’s quite emotional for me to get that win after losing at the in the Schools Finals, and it feels like I put things right.

“I’ve been up since 6am in order to box, so I was quite tired, so it’s really good to still be able to get the job done and now I’ll make sure I rest up for tomorrow.”

But there was no mistake second time around for Kyla Holdsworth, who beat Cortney Hart for the second time in the matter of weeks in the Female Under 42kg category.

“Broke landed a few really good shots, but I managed to come through and it’s amazing to have earned my place in the final,” said the Hunslet boxer.

“I’m nervous about that one, but confident too. The standard is really good in the England squad, so I’m pleased to be part of it.”

Scotland’s run of success was started by Nathan Lundie, who edged his way to a split decision against England’s Bernie Mongan in the Under 35.5kg category and ended with Kian Govan’s impressive unanimous triumph over England’s Ellis Bamsey at Under 50kg.

In between, there were a number of other impressive successes from boxers from north of the border, including Billie Marie Baillie’s stoppage of England’s Alvina Razak and Patrick Paton’s unanimous win over England’s Under 41.5kg champion Joshua Rose.

The Robroy boxer said: “I felt I boxed well. I waited on my opponent coming in and then countered him.

“I was ready to box however was needed because you can watch someone, but then they came come out completely differently. I can’t wait for tomorrow now.”

For Wales, it was a long wait for their first win in the 22th bout, when Danny Thomas secured a split decision against England’s Ellis Panter at Under 50kg.

But, suitably inspired, team captain William Bennett (Under 52kg), Cole Rees (Under 54kg) and Luke Corcoran (Under 59kg) quickly followed suit to keep the Welsh Dragon flying high.

“I have been training very hard this year to get ready for this, said Thomas. “It was great to be able to be the one to get Wales off the mark.

“I’m very excited now for tomorrow and hopefully there can be another win for me, along with the other Welsh boxers who have made it through.”

28 finals are scheduled for Finals Day, with the 19 male weights contested first and by nine female weights.

Tickets are available at the venue from 11am ahead of the 12noon start. Tickets are priced at £20 for adults, £10 concessions (65+) and £5 children (6 to 15-year-olds). Under 5s are free.

Please note it is cash only and there is not an ATM at the venue and that an England Boxing photographer, videographer and other media will be capturing footage on both days of the event that may include capturing images of spectators.

There is free parking at the venue and in an overspill car park close by.

England Boxing’s official apparel partners FBT will also be attending, selling a variety of clothing and equipment, with prices ranging from £10 to £30.

Three Nations-specific T-shirts hoodies will be available, along with a host of other FBT and England Boxing clothing. Country flags can be added to garments on site.

You can follow the tournament across our social media using the hashtag #GB3N19 and also on our live YouTube streaming.

Click here to view semi-final results.

All pictures by Andy Chubb