HARWICH Boxing Club duo Pat Allen Cripps and Paul Gordon returned with medals after shining at the prestigious Haringey Box Cup.

Allen Cripps struck gold while Gordon, making his debut in the competition, won a silver at London's iconic Alexandra Palace.

Head coach Martin Webb said: "If you'd offered me four wins from five and a guaranteed silver and gold pre-tournament I would have taken it.

"Pat exudes self-belief and confidence, which showed in his performance, and he certainly has an affection for Alexandra Palace.

"The whole Harwich camp was gutted that Paul couldn’t quite put the icing on the cake in what was an outstanding Box Cup.

"However, he's had a superb season and will come again.

"He's a rising talent and and most defiantly one to watch for the future.

"Overall, I'm exceptionally proud of both our boxers' heroics in what is widely regarded as the toughest Box Cup club tournament in Europe."

Light heavyweight Allen Cripps is a veteran of this event, with this being his fourth entry in as many years, culminating previously with a quarter-final place, silver and gold. The hunt was therefore on to secure another gold.

The 19-year-old's semi-final was a relative local derby as he faced Essex University's experienced Danny Azeez.

Allen Cripps boxed well on the move, with neat shot selection.

Both boxers struggled with the pace in the last round as the humid atmosphere took its toll.

However, Allen Cripps did just enough to take a split points win.

Currently ranked number five in England and number eight in the UK, Allen Cripps brought his ever-increasing experience to the table for the final against Surbiton ABC’s Omar Augustine.

The Harwich boxer had to use all his guile and ring craft to keep his opponent at bay.

The Londoner pressed for nine solid minutes.

However, Allen Cripps was up to the task as he slipped in and out of range to score the all-important shots.

A well-deserved points decision, along with another gold medal, therefore went his way.

Welterweight Gordon also had a great Box Cup experience.

On the first day of the competition, in the quarter-finals, he faced Coventry University’s Jordan Awale.

Within the opening minute, Gordon landed a chopping right hand that felled his opponent.

As a result, Awale was subsequently adjudged by the referee to be in no fit state to continue.

In his semi-final Gordon faced Liverpool's James Dickens.

The Merseysider was first out of the blocks, taking the first round.

Gordon came storming back in the second, dropping his opponent for a count, which he followed up with a standing eight count.

With a nasty cut under Dickens' left eye, Gordon looked destined to make the final.

However, his opponent had different ideas, battling bravely through a tumultuous last round.

In the end, Gordon squeezed through with a points victory in a contest that was worthy of a final in itself.

The final saw Gordon take on former victim Repton ABC’s Vilius Alisauskas.

The Harwich boxer had secured a tight win over his old foe earlier in the season, so his camp knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

Little separated the two rivals again as both had their successes.

In the end, yet another close decision was awarded.

This time two judges went for Gordon, with three to the Londoner.

Gordon therefore went home with a silver medal.

"That’s our season over now, which started ten long months ago in September," added Webb.

"Now we'll take a short break before pre-season training starts up in early August."