Xbox boxers make head coach proud in Dublin

They returned with two golds, two silvers, the best overseas boxer and runner-up of best overall boxer at the Esker All-Female Box Cup in Dublin.

Club captains Nicola Hopewell and Hollie Towl were both in the medals. Nicola beat Great Britain and England representative Jade Ashmore from Chesterfield in the final with an unanimous victory.

While Hollie Towl won silver after unanimously seeing off an Irish Champion in her semi-final before losing a very tight split decision in the final.

Carlton’s Rachel Ovens also took silver medal in only her second bout. The ever-improving Eleanor Coulson won her first gold in a box cup as she beat a durable opponent, landing big right-hand shots every round to take a unanimous victory.

Two young stars Lexie Boyle and Scarlet Ryalls both performed superbly in skills bouts.

More reward was to come in the overall awards ceremony where Nicola won the best overseas boxers belt, along with runner-up as best overall boxer.

Head coach Chris Boyle said: “Wow, what a fantastic tournament for all our girls to take four medals is a fantastic achievement in an open class tournament, so I couldn’t be prouder.

“The girls have worked tirelessly in the build-up to this tournament so their rewards are certainly earned.”

And added: “Nicola and Hollie, as my captains, are such great role models to my squad of girls they make myself - and I hope the whole town - very proud of them. Nicola and Hollie are both bound for world honours.”

“I would also like to say a massive thank you to councillors Josie Potts, who gave us a massive fundraising boost of £800 towards our trip and its costs which was nearly £3,000. We can’t thank them enough, Josie is such a credit to our town.”