Bugle SPORT
AFEWEE BOXING CLUB
BRIXTON WINNER: Nyesco Okpako with trainer Bobby Miltiadous
As club waits for council decision on a permanent home in Brixton…
AFEWEE FIGHTER CELEBRATES WIN A Brixton boxing club run by a sports academy that nurtured the talents of Liverpool footballer Nathaniel Clyne has celebrated the victory of its first competitive amateur fighter. Nyesco Okpako, a member of Afewee Boxing Club and trained by its head coach Bobby Miltiadous, won a three-round bout at the Territorial Army’s Centre in Balham last month. The light heavyweight fighter hopes to get 10 more bouts under his belt before the end of the season, following his night fight win against a Balham Boxing Club member. Afewee, which became officially affiliated with the Amateur Boxing Association in February this year, currently has three carded
competitive boxers on its books. All are due to compete before the end of this year. And two of the club’s junior members are expected to become carded members before the end of the year. Afewee hope the member ship increase and growth of the club will help them to secure a permanent base. “We’re growing all the time as a club and getting more boxers coming through the system”, said Miltiadous. “This month we are due to find out from Lambeth council what is going to happen in terms of our residency here at the Brixton Rec and whether they are going to give us a permanent space or not. “The outcome of this will change the whole structure of the club.”
Hamlet top after mashing Merstham Dulwich Hamlet took a two point lead at the top of the Ryman Premier Division after crushing Merstham 4-0 at Champion Hill on Tuesday. Goals from Rhys MurrellWilliamson, Calum Willock and Nyren Clunis in the first half were followed by a second-half strike from Dan Sweeney. The hotshot midfielder scored his sixth goal in six games in the 50th minute of the match to cap a
comfortable win for Hamlet. The victory capped a swift return to winning ways and a successful end to October for the Pink and Blues following surprising defeats to the Metropolitan Police and Hampton and Richmond. It followed a 2-1 victory over Canvey Island the previous weekend. First half goals from striker Jacob Erskine and Dan Sweeney, were enough to see off their Essex-based non-league rivals at the Prospects Stadium.
Dulwich boss Gavin Rose hailed the impact of Dan Sweeney and talked up the South Londoners’ promotions hope. “Dan Sweeney has had a big impact in our team,” he said. “While he is good on the ball he’s got some things he needs to get better at, but he’s in a really good place and I can see him improving. “This year because we have more senior players in the side, people have tipped us as promotion contenders.
Quick Crossword ACROSS 5. Lacking compassion (11) 7. Adhesive (4) 8. Marshmallow toaster (8) 9. Hoped for (7) 11. School subject (5) 13. – or dare? (5) 14. Bonkers (7) 16. GBP (8) 17. Father of Shem, Ham and Japheth (4) 18. Decent (11)
DOWN 1. Wight, Man, or Scilly (4) 2. Front door accessory (7) 3. Movies (5) 4. Secret liquor holder (8) 5. Picture painter (11) 6. Made from clay (11) 10. Capital increase (8) 12. Mischievous (7) 15. – and dines (5) 17. Pen ends (4)
But over the past couple of years we have always been confident as a squad and nothing has really changed with our mentality.” Dulwich face Hendon at home on Saturday 7 November in their next Ryman Premier match followed by away fixtures at Staines, Bognor Regis and Harrow Borough. Their final game of the month will be a highly anticipated encounter against promotion rivals Leiston.
Dan Sweeney in action at Champion Hill
Dulwich boss praises Black History Month showcase Dulwich Hamlet boss Gavin Rose hailed the Pinks and Blues’ support for the club’s first Black History Month exhibition. A showcase celebrating the contribution black players have made to the South London side was unveiled at Champion Hill last month. The exhibition was the result of a collaboration involving the club, a group of fans and the Dulwich Hamlet Supporters’ Trust. It paid tribute to eight of the club’s most
influential black players. “I’m very honoured and proud that our club recognises Black History Month.” said Rose. “I’ve played football for many years and this is something was never mentioned at clubs I have played at. “For me, as a black person and a black manager, it’s great to feel that Dulwich Hamlet recognises and appreciates the contribution that black people have made to the club.”