Boxers from north Shropshire and North Wales enjoyed a new experience as they competed at a tournament in Portugal earlier this month.

Maelor Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) members travelled to the tournament to represent their club and take on some of the best young boxers from around the world.

Coached by David Jones, the group came home with four medals along with some valuable experience.

Brothers Harry Roberts and Thomas Roberts from St Martins both competed.

Harry won his prelim bout on points against Italian fighter Marco Fillip, and then took on Zekri Ricid of Belgium who he lost to on points in a close bout.

Thomas stopped Portuguese fighter Kevin Stanches in the first round, but lost on split decision to Fredrick Luckus of Portugal.

Gary Richards, also of St Martins, stopped Portuguese fighter Bernardo Mendenca in his third-round prelim fight, but narrowly missed out on the gold medal after losing in the final.

Kane Rowbotham and Ethan Finney of Oswestry also competed, along with Leighton Turnbull of St Martins.

Cory Jones of Rhosllanerchrugog came home with a bronze medal after a close battle with Kai Griffiths of Ireland.

Kai is a four-time all-Ireland champion and is ranked as the third best in Europe at his age and weight-class – Cory took the fight to points and narrowly lost by split decision.

Coach David Jones said he was really pleased with the performance of all his club members, and said he hopes they can travel abroad for a tournament again in the future.

He said: “We went to Portugal for medals and the experience, and we came home with that.

“We had a great experience and picked up four medals which is fantastic.

“All the lads really enjoyed themselves and thanked me for taking them.

“If we can find a sponsor I will take the lads again and to other events.

“If anyone would be interested in helping, please contact the club to let us know.”