THE prospect of some first class boxing, with local clashes including junior and women's bouts, under-standably drew a big following at Bream Rugby Club on Saturday.

But for organiser and match-maker Brian Higgs it was vindication of his efforts to find Lydney Boxing Club its own premises.

"It was brilliant, absolutely brilliant," he said. "It gave me so much of a buzz. I really want to see the club thrive and this is a big help.

"We have found some ground down by Lydney Recreation Ground but we need cash now. If we don't put on shows like this we won't keep the interest but this is so good."

Brian, who started boxing himself at 31 (it helped him stop smoking) became a coach eight years ago when the rules forced him to retire.

Now his son Chris, 12, is carrying the family name into the ring with nine bouts already under his belt and hopes of an ABA future.

Chris won his bout on Saturday against Rory Baker of Gloucester on points. In the other local matches Claire Cooper of Lydney beat army girl Andrea Blundell on points, and Christine Shergall of Paignton beat Debbie Cartwright on points.

Glen Morgan of Cinderford beat Micky Reece of Swansea and Lydney's Gary Webber beat Leigh Ayliss of Synwell, both points decisions.

In the ABA bouts boxers were battling it out in the first junior and senior rounds of the Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Bristol championships.

Results, semi finals junior 60kg – Tony Nardiello, Yeovil, b Liam Stinchcomb, Broad Plain (pts); senior middleweight – Andrew Derrick, Taunton, b Steve Mullins, Pen Hill (pts); finals senior light welterweight – David Entwhistle, Watchet, b Steve Mourant, Guernsey (pts); welterweight Justin Turley, Pen Hill, b David Nardello, Yeovil (pts); light middleweight – Peter Mullins, Pen Hill, b Nathan Wyatt, Viking (pts); Heavyweight – Patrick Lewis, Taunton, b Des Beatty, Frome (ref. stopped match round 3); middleweight – Andrew Derrick, Taunton, b M Reed, Broad Plain (pts); junior – Tony Nardiello, Yeovil, b Craig Dowling, Timsbury (KO round 2).

Three-time world women's champion Jane Couch presented the prizes.