TWO ring aces from the multi-talented St Helens Glass Amateur Boxing Club stable have battled their way through to the finals of yet another prestigious tournament.

Martin Murray (16) and 17-year-old Steven Birch will be aiming to add Junior ABA crowns to their already impressive list of achievements when they climb through the ropes at the Aston Villa Leisure Centre on Saturday, May 8.

Unfortunately, the Bobbies Lane club's hopes of making it a hat-trick of representatives were dashed when 16-year-old Gary Davies was unluckily beaten at the semi-final stage after failing to shake off the effects of a recent bout of flu.

A club spokesman told the Star: "Gary was desperately disappointed not to be joining his clubmates in the finals but he was really under the weather when the semis were staged and many another boxer would have cried off. We view this as a very minor setback for a talented kid and we are confident he will bounce back." Meanwhile, the club is set to stage one of its popular dinner shows at the town centre Nexus night spot on Thursday, May 13. The evening will feature about 14 top-class bouts, including some of the club's international stars, plus a five-course meal. Dinner will be served between 7.30 and 7.45pm, with boxing expected to get underway at about 8.45pm. There are still some tickets, priced £20, available and anyone requiring details can ring 01744 753289.

THE club's fully-equipped gym at Bobbies Lane is open throughout the year for boxing training and general keep-fit. Both men and women are welcome to go along and use the excellent facilities. There is a friendly, informal atmosphere and charges are minimal. General keep-fit sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 to 8pm. Further details from 01744 753289.

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