Figure 1.--.
|
Figure 1.--. |
Boxing was once not just an optional activity at prep schools, but commonly a part of the PE program. It was considered to be part of the toughening up process which was an important part of the school program. Boxing was often mentioned in the schools stories popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This changed substantially after World War II. By the time we visited the schools, very few schools still offered boxing, even as an optioal activity. Many parens especially the mums did not generally approve. We did find a few schools which still had a boxing activity, but supect that the activity has since been dropped.
It was possible to do more boxing in the Easter term for not only did we have our Thursday morning sessions for about twenty boys but having finished the Gym tests in good time the junior forms were also given basic instruction which they appeared to enjoy.
ELH, Lambrook Chronicle, 1980.
Due to many factors the voluntary boxing time for practice this year was short, but even so, the contests were of a very high standard. Again this year Oliver took on Kent Davis to see if he could reverse last year's result, and in the first round he built up a points lead with his straight left. Davis then came back with his two-handed weaving attack and kept coming forward for the remaining two rounds to gain a points decision after the best boxing bout of the competition. Henriques and Wasdell J. appeared rather hesitant as both has strong right hands. The guarding was effective but few punches landed on target with Henriques being awarded the gight. King-Holford and Webber J. produced an extremely hard hitting left-hander contest which King-Holford won by a whisker. Airy surprised us all when fighting Brown, as they both boxed well and no quarter was given by either boxer. They kept up the pressure for all three rounds, as it were "slinging leather" at each other. Brown was given the verdict. The next bout was a kind of revenge match! Major Vickers printed last year that Carter had beaten Norris in their bout. Norris managed to prove (he said!) that he had won by doing it again this year (Carter was on my side, I think!). The remaining two contests were very cl;ose as well. Wade just beat Davies H. and Harrison beat Offord.
Beaudesert Park Magazine, Autumn 1978.
