TIVERTON'S season began on a high when Bradley Riggs won the southern division of the western counties senior welterweight title at Barnstable Rugby Club on Friday.

Riggs beat Camborne ABC’s Ashley Sparks on a split decision after three, two minute rounds.

Tiverton coach Paul Harvey said: “Brad wasn’t at his best but still ground out the win to take the title.

“Sparks was a real tough opponent, very fit, and didn’t stop throwing punches for the whole three rounds to make up for his lack of boxing skills.

“Brad on the other hand is a boxer and threw all the better, cleaner punches to take the decision.”

Harvey added: “Brad’s been in the gym all summer, working really hard, and to be fair he deserves every thing he gets.”

Riggs will now box for the full western counties title against the northern division champion this Sunday at Devizes Football Club.

Tiverton ABC’s other boxer in action last Friday was Callan Bryant who met Barnstable’s Nick Forrest in a rematch.

In their previous bout at the same venue Bryant came out on top but this time he lost a split decision.

The pair are due to meet again on Tiverton’s show at the Heathcoat Club on October 25.

Harvey said: “I thought the decision was a little harsh as Bryant totally outboxed Forrest at times. But he did let Forrest off the hook on more than one occasion to let him get back in.

“Forrest was busy but Bryant took most of the shots on the arms. It’s hard to know now how the judges are scoring the bouts now. It seems they’re favouring aggression more than skill.”