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Half-time Hairdryer – January 24, 2011
A mixed weekend: Sam Cantwell lost, Margate won but there were no burger puffs
Commiserations to Sam Cantwell, who lost out to Sheldon Purdy in their match at yesterday’s ABAE senior novice finals.
It was a good fight and Cantwell put up a good showing. He’s a young lad still so there’s plenty of time for him to come back and have another crack.
The whole event was a bit of an eye opener. There was a huge crowd for the 20 or so bouts that took place at Elmbridge The Venue in Ilford, and the crowd got more vociferous as the boxer weight categories went up.
The bouts got more aggressive as the guys got bigger as well, with some pretty impressive bouts over the afternoon.
The venue was a bit of a letdown though, as the crowd was squeezed into a room far too small for such an event. By the time I arrived a full 45 minutes before the first bout it was standing room only, and when I left after a couple of hours there were people forced to watch from the reception and a long queue waiting to get in.
And as it was a national final, many of those queuing had travelled much further than I to reach Ilford and must’ve felt a little disappointed by the venue.
On a more positive note, Margate actually put in a half-decent showing against Hastings United in their Ryman Premier League match on Saturday.
James Pinnock bagged both goals in a 2-0 victory, the second of which was a peach from the edge of the area that beat the keeper at his left-hand post.
Unfortunately, there were no burger puffs at half-time, so I was left a little disappointed by that. I have lodged a ‘complaint’ with the staff at the concession stand, and been told next time they’ll make sure I get one. The young waitress behind the grill did make up for it though by stuffing five rashers of bacon into my nephews roll, so I mustn’t grumble too much.
And I got my photo with The Margator, Margate's mascot. Call me childish but there's nothing I like more than seeing a grown man dressed in a silly costume.
Until next time,
David Pittman, editor, SGB Sports
Email: dpittman@datateam.co.uk || Twitter: @mrdavidpittman || Skype: davidpittmanreporter
