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Boxing Club

This year has unfolded a tale, similar to previous years, in regard to Victoria College Boxing. Winter training has proved well-nigh impossible, owing to the lack of suitable facilities, and also to the inevitable claims of football and other winter sports on possible trainees.

We had, perforce, to limit our activities to those few weeks prior to our own tournament and to the period ensuing between then and the Easter Tournament at Christchurch.

Due, no doubt to the absence of the old "hardies" from our ranks, competition for representation was very keen, and our tournament at the Winter Show Stadium revealed a high standard of boxing. Following this, training was continued at Parris' Gymnasium under the watchful eye of Roy Brien.

The team selected to represent Victoria at Easter was as follows:—

Bantamweight: B. C. Campbell.

Featherweight: S. Walsh.

Lightweight: T. Kent.

Welterweight: P. H. Ryan.

Middleweight: E. Miller.

Light-heavyweight: A. Dandy.

Heavyweight: F. G. Bowling.

Though shaped into what was thought would be a successful team by our conscientious trainer, Roy Brien, the team did not live up to expectations. Of these, only Ryan and Kent managed to fight their way into the finals. Kent was unfortunate enough to meet a sturdier, more rugged, fighter in Adams (O.U.), who took the decision from him after an exciting struggle. Ryan succeeded in winning his weight and an N.Z.U. Blue. He was awarded the cup presented by the N.Z. Breweries for the most scientific boxer.

Our congratulations go to Canterbury for their success in retaining the Boxing Shield. Perhaps, however, Easter, 1938 may show a different result.

Indications, from training as it has been this winter, are that Victoria will field a strong team in the Boxing next year. May Dame Fortune smile kindly upon our representatives who will be ducking between the ropes to withstand the gaze of the critical crowd!

We owe a very sincere debt of gratitude to our trainer, Roy Brien for his untiring efforts to mould the raw material into the finished article. Only those who have trained under him can really speak of his enthusiastic endeavours on our behalf.

Our thanks also to those gentlemen who willingly gave their assistance to us at our own College Tournament, and to those who maintain a keen interest in our doings in the realm of Boxing.