Erne Boxing Club’s great run in 2021 came to a disappointing end last Saturday, but it was more a case of misfortune or bad luck rather than being bettered in the square circle.

Katie Rasdale was pitted against Ailish Blake (Muskerry Boxing Club) in Girl 1 (Under-12s) 68kgs National Final in Dublin

Despite the big occasion, Rasdale was very relaxed, started positively and got the better of the early exchanges.

Although establishing an early lead, the contest was merely a minute under way when following a good exchange (that saw both combatants landed simultaneously with their backhands) that the Erne favourite’s nose started to bleed.

The referee stopped the action, and after the medical officer’s inspection the contest was called off due to injury, handing victory to her Cork opponent, leaving Rasdale disappointingly having to settle for a National Final silver medal.

“Sometimes the only luck you get is bad luck,” mused Erne Boxing Club Head Coach, Sean Crowley.

“Katie was very unfortunate; the damage to her nose was actually done earlier in the week during her final preparations when sparring.

“The purposeful way she started the contest gave us the impression that she was well on her way to victory, but in fairness to her opponent, it was still too early to call.

“Nonetheless two Ulster titles and a National Final silver is a great start to the season for her, and we have high expectations for her in 2022,” he said.

The Erne Boxing Club advised Saturday’s Final has now concluded their boxing for 2021, but added that the Christmas break will only be a short one, with boxers already scheduled to compete in the National Under-22 Championships, and Tyrone & Fermanagh County championships, both starting in mid