Ireland and the USA shared the spoils in today’s see-saw Junior Round Robin meeting  in Russia.

 

 

Ireland and the USA Olympic Junior team shared the spoils in a 6-6 tie at the Veles Cup Round Robin in the Oblast region of Russia earlier today.

Jason McKay, a silver medal winner at the recent European Junior Championships, Gary Cully, Conor Byrne, Mike McDonagh, Jack Connelly and Mike Gallagher claimed victories for Ireland.

Conor Wallace, boxing in the 66kg class, lost out on a countback to John Williams following a 5-5 tie. Russia, who meet Ireland today, and Germany are also competing at the tournament.

The Russians, who claimed the lions share of the gold medals at the 2012 European Juniors, beat Germany 13-0 this afternoon.

“The squad performed very well against a very talented American team this today and we’re pleased with their performances. They have another tough match with Russia tomorrow, but they’ll be going in there and giving it their best shot,” said Irish coach Billy McClean.

Seven of today’s USA team – Nico Hernandez, Ruben Villa, Efren Lopez, Christian Bermudez, Alexis Rocha, Elvis Figuero and John Luna, are current National junior champions in America.

Russia are using the majority of the squad that claimed the lions share of the gold medals at the 2012 European Junior Championships in Bulgaria.

Veles Cup Junior Round Robin Oblast, Russia July 17th

46kg: Ryan Green (Oakleaf) lost to Nico Hernandez (USA) 10-19

48kg: Jason McKay (Canal) beat Hector Tanajara (USA) 14-13

50kg: Colm Molloy (Oughterard) lost to Shakur Stevenson (USA) 5-9

52kg: Gary Cully (St Davids) beat Ruben Villa (USA) 12-11

54kg: Conor Byrne (Holy Trinity) beat Efren Lopez (USA) 12-10

57kg: Mike McDonagh (St Pauls) beat Christian Bermudaz (USA) 9-6

60kg: Jack Connelly (Clonmel) beat Edgar Berlanga (USA) 7-3

63kg: Caoimhin Hynes (Holy Trinity) lost to Jonathan Navaro (USA) 13-16

66kg: Conor Wallace (Sacred Heart) lost to John Williams (USA) 5-5 c/b 16-24

70kg: Luke Thomas (Watergrasshill) cpt lost to Alexis Rocha (USA) 9-11

80kg: Mike Gallagher (Finn Valley) beat Elvis Figueroa (USA) 14-11

80kg+: James Hughes (Ryston) lost to John Luna (USA) 6-10