A heavenly result

MATT JENNINGS lived up to his hero tag as the annual open boxing show proved another roaring success on Saturday night. A crowd of more than 800 at Beau Sejour were treated to a real spectacle as Guernsey defeated the North of England Select side 10-5, with Jennings putting the icing on the cake with a second-round stoppage.

The Amalgamated Boys' Club event has established itself as one of the highlights of the local sporting calendar.

This year's show, sponsored by advocates Ozannes, sold out within 90 minutes of tickets going on sale and the atmosphere in the Sir John Loveridge Hall was simply buzzing all night.

Guernsey coach Graham Guilbert was a bag of emotion at the end of it all.

'It's been absolutely great,' he said, fighting back the tears.

'The boxers have all been electric. The whole night and everything has gone well. The evening has been great and the people have been great and so supportive.

'It really gets to you.'

Guernsey had come back from 4-1 down by the first interval to win the next seven bouts on the trot. The run was ended when Lancaster's Christian Flynn stopped Matt Clarke who had stepped in for Shane Le Patourel on the day when Flynn had weighed in too heavy.

'It was a good turn-out and a good atmosphere,' said Flynn afterwards.

'It was good support from the crowd and it was a really good night.'

By the time the island's premier boxer, Matt Jennings, met Neil Smith for their top-of-the-bill clash, victory for Guernsey was already ensured.

Despite that, the noise was deafening as the audience went barmy when Jennings was introduced before the fight.

Guernsey's favourite had few problems as he stopped the Manchester-based Scot in the second round.

'I enjoyed it and I think the crowd really make the night,' said Jennings.

'They build a great atmosphere. It's our favourite show and they're the reason why.'

Even though he had tasted defeated, Smith also found time to praise the event.

'It's a mint show and great fans,' he said.

'It was excellent and it's a great venue. I heard he was a local hero.'