LEE Jenkins powered his way to victory and then kissed the Hereford Times Cup with delight after rounding off England’s night of amateur boxing glory.

The 22-year-old was among three Wye Amateur Boxing Club members who represented an England Select team against Wales in front of a lively 500-strong crowd at Hereford Sixth Form College.

Jenkins deservedly gained a unanimous decision against Deva south-paw David Wilkinson in a senior middleweight contest which rounded off the enjoyable 13-fight dinner show filmed by Hatton TV.

Senior middleweight Jez Jones, from Hereford, made an explosive start against Deva’s Mike Asford before falling to a majority decision.

And Hereford boxer Harry Youll dug deep against the impressive James Moss, also from Deva, who was given a unanimous decision by the judges.

Jenkins had Hereford’s fight fans jigging with delight after his victory wrapped up the evening’s entertainment.

He said: “It was a brilliant night and it’s always good to fight on your home show with the crowd behind you — it’s a real honour.

“It’s the second time I have represented England and it’s great to win the cup. I could have done a little bit better — I lost a bit of technique towards the end — it was pretty hot in the ring.”

Jenkins had previously won the senior novice Midlands title with Del Strachan in his corner.

But Jenkins had lost his three previous fights.

“This is a good way to get back on track,” he said.

“I now want to win the 71kg Class ‘B’ ABA Championship which starts in October.”

England had already avenged last year’s defeat to Colin Jones’ Wales team when the Wye fighters stepped into the ring for the final three bouts of the St Patrick’s Day Boxing and Dinner Show.

England’s team, led by Midlands regional coach Alan Keast, won the overall show 8-5 last Saturday but the result was never in doubt after the hosts made a flying start.

England sailed into a 6-0 lead and sealed the trophy in the ninth, opening up an unassailable 7-2 advantage.

Wales’ first success was achieved by Jacob Robinson, son of ex-World Featherweight champion Steve Robinson.

Wales made the score respectable, winning three of the last four fights.

Youll gave a good account of himself against the more experienced Moss and the referee praised both boxers for their fine efforts.

Jenkins said: “It was disappointing to see Harry lose but the guy he fought was strong. Harry works hard, is very keen and good technical fighter. It was a shame to see him lose.”

And Manchester firefighter Jones, who used to be a fitness instructor at Halo Leisure, made a scorching start against his Welsh opponent before losing out over three rounds.

“The first round went really well — I felt strong, confident and quick,” said Jones, who was driving back to Manchester straight after the show.

“I was probably too relaxed for the next few rounds and I dropped my work-rate a little bit and that’s where I think I went wrong.”

Jones, who also trains at Moss Side Boxing Club, said: “I love boxing — it’s a hell of a game and it’s great for fitness. There’s nowhere to hide when you’re in the ring and I like the challenge.”

He added: “I had my mum, dad, brother and friends in the crowd and it was good of everyone to cheer me on.

“My mum said she was proud and it’s a shame I couldn’t give them a win — but next time I will.”

RESULTS

England Select v Wales in Hereford (England first):

Akash Tungyir (Wellington) beat Kieran Ives (Carmarthen) – Unanimous. (1-0).

Taylor Hathaway (Tamworth) beat Molly Scott (St Joseph’s, Newport) – Majority. (2-0).

Oliver Cassidy (Tamworth) beat Jake Cruze (Deva) – Majority. (3-0).

Dan Demoll (Tamworth) beat Jake Williams (St Joseph’s) - Unanimous. (4-0).

Jake Birch (Studio) beat Declan Kenny (Gwynfi) – Majority. (5-0).

Keiran Marshall (Tamworth) beat Anthony Humphrey (Maelor) Majority. (6-0).

Ethan Kings (Heartlands) lost to Jacob Robinson (St Joseph’s). Majority. (6-1).

Shane Porter (Nuneaton) lost to Richard Jones (Premier). Unanimous. (6-2).

Josh O’Donnell (Tamworth) beat Nathan Williams (Newtown). (7-2).

Sam Holt (Nechells) lost to Ashley Williams (St Joesph’s). Referee stopped right (7-3).

HARRY YOULL (WYE) lost to James Moss (Deva). Unanimous. (7-4).

JEZ JONES (WYE) lost to Mike Asford (Deva). Majority (7-5).

LEE JENKINS (WYE) beat David Wilkinson (Deva). Unanimous (8-5).

England Select win Hereford Times Cup 8-5.