Sorry about the delay for this report but I have been away to Norway twice since the show.
     Another great night of kickboxing action at The Bridgwater Town Hall was on display and watched by a full house at the new all seated venue. The move to the Town Hall did not lose the atmosphere we come to expect at the Bridgwater show, so it looks a good bet for next year’s events too.
      No less than eight fighters from our Budo Juku club stepped into the ring this time and all of them displayed the courage and ability that has been so typical of the club’s previous performances.
     First up was 16yr old Lewis Jordan in a semi contact exhibition bout against Jake Chapman of Full Circle Martial Arts. Chapman started the stronger and gave Lewis some problems with his reach advantage and constant jabs. Lewis then started to work things out and became more mobile and definitely rounded off the fight with the better work.
     Ben Nash, 15, was up next for Bridgwater against Chippenham’s Jack Miller. It was obvious from the start that Ben was the stronger of the two and dominated the three rounds to win a unanimous decision over Miller.
      Both Jordan and Ben look good prospects for the future.
      Damien Borlase returned to the ring after a two-year absence and he faced Simon Jarred of Dorchester kickboxing. Both fighters were eager to get a good start and got stuck in throwing powerful punches, but a strong jab from Damien in the first round caused a severe nose bleed to Jarred which looked messy but did not deter either fighter from having a toe to toe for three rounds. Technically, Damien seemed the superior fighter and was awarded the decision.
      Amanda Williams was the only female from Bridgwater this time, but her first full contact fight certainly did not overawe her. Clara Norman from the Bulldog gym in Bournemouth knew she was in a fight as the fight seemed to go back and forth in each other’s favour. While Amanda pushed forward with an aggressive style Norman was keen to counter attack when the opportunity arose. After a hard three rounds the judges awarded a draw.
      Newcomer to the club, Dan Lougheed representing Bridgwater was up next against another Full Circle fighter, Chris Bladon. Both fighters have had previous boxing experience and this showed in their technical skill but as the fight wore on another hard fought battle ensued with neither fighter giving ground. However Bladon’s late rally in the final round seemed enough to swing the judges decision. Welcome to the club Dan, a good performance.
      Carl Nobbs was straight in after Dan and was keen to get going as soon as the ref gave them the signal but Carl’s opponent Joss Gilbert of the Touch Gloves club in Penzance was not to be pressured easily. Carl seemed relentless in his attacks and became a little reckless at times which allowed his opponent to pick him off. A sudden front kick to Carl’s face clearly hurt him but Carl still only seemed to know one forward gear. This proved his downfall when a series of punches and another front kick to his face broke his nose. Club coach Arthur Meek decided to withdraw Carl from going out in the third round to save him from further damage. Despite Carl’s injury he showed great courage and was determined to fight on so I’m sure we will see Carl in the ring again to put this loss behind him.
      Rob Ellick, in his fourth contest, also faced a Touch Gloves fighter, Kevin Croxton. Rob has had a couple of defeats in his last two outings and was fired up for this bout. His aggressive but tactical approach was just the right plan as he pushed his opponent back whenever possible. Croxton came back strong at times but Rob just seemed to find another gear when it mattered and forced his opponent to cover up and seek refuge against the ropes. Rob Ellick wanted the win and having a good support also spurred him on. It was another thrilling contest that finally gave Bridgwater another home win and Rob Ellick the best fighter of the evening before the main event.
      The climax of the night was Chris James’ second attempt at the Southern Area title. His opponent was experienced all rounder John Smith who has won on both of his previous Bridgwater bouts. As expected Smith started brightly with combination kicks and punches that had Chris covering up. But Chris James is known as a steady starter and he slowly began to control the centre of the ring and pressure his opponent until he produced a thundering straight left hand that knocked Smith flat on his back. Smith beat the count and was able to make it through the first round. The second round was almost a copy of the first with James and Smith exchanging good rallies until another southpaw straight left knocked Smith to the floor. Smith again beat the count and was able to see out the end of round two. Both sets of supporters were on their feet urging their fighters on and James in the third surged forward sensing his opponent was wilting. Another flurry of punches found Smiths’s unguarded head and he was down again, but still he refused to stay on the canvas. He beat the count only to face another onslaught from Chris James’ powerful hands. This time a brave John Smith slumped to the canvas and was counted out by referee Mark Woodard. James was the new Southern Area Light Heavyweight Champion.
      Many thanks go to all the clubs, fighters, sponsors, and fight fans for making the night a huge success. A special thanks to all the club helpers who are the guys and girls who help keep the show slickly ticking over.
      Next show Saturday April 11th.