Bateson and Marshall dazzle in Poland, plus a Sky Scholar round-up

Boxers Jack Bateson and Savannah Marshall were in fine form at the Feliks Stamm tournament in Warsaw, plus a round-up of Sky Academy's other Scholars.

In what has been a stunning and lively couple of weeks for the Sky athletes, Bateson grabbed the boxing headlines after winning gold in Poland in his first competition since his injury in March.

The 21-year-old flyweight from Leeds, described by mentor Johnny Nelson as a mini Carl Froch, suffered a setback in the summer with nose surgery, but he looked in devastating form at the weekend, securing a unanimous victory over Poland's Tomasz Karys at 52kg to win gold, after seeing off Scotland's Lee McGregor in the semis. 

Bateson said: "It felt great to be back on top of the podium after a challenging year so far. I've stayed focused, worked hard in the gym and it has paid off.

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"The Feliks Stamm is a highly regarded tournament and it's great to be added to the list of gold medallists. I'm feeling confident again and can't wait to be back in there continuing to win medals for my country.

"I'm back on track for Rio and I will give my all to make sure I am there."

Marshall had to settle for silver but still impressed after losing in the final in her fourth bout in as many days to Netherlands' Nouchka Fontijn at 75kg.

The 24-year-old from Hartlepool will be delighted to have exhibited her skills again having been unlucky to draw once again the world No 3 and her conqueror in the opening round at the European Games in June. Her big Olympics qualifier awaits in April.

Marshall said: "I thought it was close and could have gone either way. It was disappointing to lose the final, but it was good to get rounds and wins under my belt."

Pole Vaulter Holly Bradshaw competed in her last competition of the season at the City Games in Gateshead.

With weather conditions of torrential rain, the 23-year-old from Preston finished on a high with second place, leaping 4.55m behind world champion Yarisley Silva (4.65m).

Mark English also competed in the City Games last weekend in the 500m. The 22-year-old Irish 800m runner was first with a time of 59.60s beating a top-class field including many of his rivals from the 4 x 400m relay.

It has been an exciting few days for road cycling star Lucy Garner. The 20-year-old from Leicester, currently based in the Netherlands, signed a two-year contract with Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling who she will join next year. 

Garner said: "I just need the next step, a new challenge, and I feel that it's that time now in my career when I need to make that step.

"They're really, really positive, and they really believe in my abilities as a sprinter. It's really nice to hear that, that they really believe in me, so I'm really looking forward to working with them."

Olivia Breen capped off a dazzling week for the Scholars with news that the teenage sprinter and long jumper had been selected for the IPC World Championships in Doha in October.

WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS...

SEPTEMBER 10-21: Olivia Breen - Warm weather training

SEPTEMBER 26: Sam Oldham - Gymnastics London Open

SEPTEMBER 19-27: Lucy Garner - World Championship's Road Race, Richmond, USA