TORFAEN Warriors boxers Joel Manning and Crimea Jenkins both won silver medals at the Pirkka Cup Tournament in Tampere, Finland.

Manning (66kg) was attempting to defend the gold he won at his first attempt last year, when he also won best boxer for his age group of under-14s.

In his semi-final Manning beat Norway’s Pal Edvin Dyste by two rounds to one.

He then boxed Finnish champion Joonas Helin in the final.

Manning had beated Helin in the semi-final last year and the two stood toe to toe for three rounds but this time the Finnish boxer was victorious, winning 3-0 to take gold.

Jenkins had won gold twice in the last two years at 63kg and he cruised through his semi-final this time round, beating Russian Artur Stepanov 3-0.

But he came up against Norway’s Don Emini, who was voted boxer of the tournament, in the final.

Despite a strong performance Jenkins was beaten 3-0 and had to settle for silver.

“Both boys found this experience invaluable,” said coach Simon Weaver.

This is the fifth year that Weaver has taken his boxers to the tournament.

The club has taken 18 boxers over five years from the gym and they have now won 15 golds, four silvers and one bronze medal in that time.

Some of the costs for the trip were funded by a Cwmbran Community Council grant and by coaches Weaver and Jon Manning.