Battalions battle it out in the ring at Meadowbank

Command performance: Lieutenant Colonel Graeme Wearmouth and RSM Martin Gallagher watch Fusiliers Robert Tembo and Craig Hamilton training. Picture: Neil Hanna

Meadowbank is gearing itself up for a ten-bout boxing feast tomorrow night as four battalions go head-to-head in the Royal Regiment of Scotland Tenth Anniversary Boxing Night.

Captain Drew Tait, who is also an official and delegate of Leith Victoria Amateur Boxing Club, says he is relishing the opportunity to see those who have spent the past three weeks in full-time training step into the ring.

“Tomorrow night will be the second time we’ve run the regimental boxing event at Meadowbank but it’s really special as it’s the tenth anniversary,” Tait said. “Boxing is one of our main sports that the guys love to do in their spare time so we’re expecting a really good show as all of them are really up for it.

“This particular show will allow novice boxers the chance to show what they can do. They’ve done the training for it and they are coming from each of the four regular battalions (1 SCOTS, 2 SCOTS, 3 SCOTS, 4SCOTS). We’re expecting around 1600 of a crowd so it’s going to be a great atmosphere.

“Each of the boxers will be piped into the ring and they’re boxing for their battalions in front of their battalions. We’ve got Alex Arthur coming along to show his support and we’re also hoping that some of the coaches from Edinburgh’s boxing clubs will come down as well.”

Sean Eng, who has been running the rule over the 2 SCOTS team and is based at the Glencorse Barracks just outside Penicuik, says there has been a real camaraderie among the troops in the run up to tomorrow night’s show.

“They’ve had three weeks off to train for this event so they been training full time with three or four sessions each day,” the 26-year-old explained. “It was maybe a bit of a shock to the system at first but they’re really on the ball now. They’ve really enjoyed it. It will be good to see them in the ring and seeing exactly what they’ve learned.

“I boxed myself in the Army Championships a couple of weeks ago but lost in the semi final. I used to box at Lochend and I still train down there when I have the time.”

CREDIT TO:http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/boxing/battalions-battle-it-out-in-the-ring-at-meadowbank-1-4165147