FOREST Oaks Boxing Club staged a team match against an Ireland select at Oaklands on Saturday.

Sunny weather and the Britain's Got Talent final on TV conspired to provide a poor turnout from the public but the boxers still served up 15 bouts of top quality action.

Top of the bill went to England International Ryan Martin, who oozed class and power in easily winning against Ireland's Gary Sweeney. Martin travels to Scotland with England and Forest Oaks coach Les Brooking next week for the British Championships.

Forest Oaks welterweight Mike Freeman put in a brilliant performance against Bernard Mongon. Freeman battered the body of the tall Mongon, forcing him to hang on in round three. Despite Mike's obvious superiority, the two Irish judges backed their own lad, and the result was met with a chorus of boos. You can't fool the knowledgeable Cinderford crowd, and their displeasure at many of the decisions was clear.

Sian Brooking also battled the way through three intriguing rounds, before falling foul to the judges. Once again ringsiders thought Sian had won fairly comfortably.

Will Burden boxed former foe Harry Armstrong from Torbay, and was pipped by a single point in an exiting match up. Both boxers had their successes, but Armstrong appeared to finish stronger. This was Burden's best performance to date.

Big Steve Virgo got back on track with a good points victory. Big Steve used his jab to good effect and always looked in control.

Another England International, Connor Wells, boxed Peter Flaherty from Ireland. Wells controlled the bout well, keeping his rival at long range, then punishing the porous defence with some stunning hooks to the body. Wells won by split decision, almost another victim to the judging misdemeanours.

Forest Oaks boxer Mike Freeman won the Cinderford Town Council Cup for best boxer, presented by Mayor Max Coborn.

Forest Oaks coach Les Brooking has been picked to take the England juniors to Scotland for the British Championships on June 12. Brookings' charges will pit their skills against champions from Scotland and Wales in search of the coveted gold medals. Making the trip will be Wayne Inghram from Gloucester, plus Ryan Martin and Connor Wells from Swindon.

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