Jack Gillingwater certainly did not think about resting on his laurels after winning a national school's boxing title at Barnsley, Yorkshire.

Jack in the box -- Jack Gillingwater won the national schoolboys boxing title before setting off to help his school basketball team. Picture: MIKE NEVILLE 85DWZ6M

For, instead of joining in post-fight celebrations after his under-57 kilos success, he made an immediate 150-mile dash to Barrow-in-Furness to help his school, Canvey's Cornelius Vermyden, battle for glory in a top basketball event.

By the time Jack arrived for the under-14 national schools basketball finals Cornelius had lost their opening two games, 56-36 to Ellesmere Port County High and 56-47 at the hands of Barrow's own Thorncliffe.

However, he boosted them to win their last three games: 44-42 against Millfield, Somerset -- the top sporting school -- in the country -- 44-34 over Dulwich College and 52-32 against Notre Dame, Norwich.

Cornelius eventually finished fifth in the basketball competition.

Said Cornelius's John Powell: "It was certainly tough going into the first day's action without Jack as he's been one of our key players all season.

"We were all delighted with his boxing success -- but just wished the dates hadn't clashed for two national championships.

"Even so, although we might have done better if Jack had been available from the start, we're pleased to have proved ourselves among the top five schools in the country at this age group."

Earlier Jack had become Canvey ABC's tenth national champion at Barnsley's Metrodome when he won 12-3 on points over Blackpool ABC's Karl Kirkham.

Published Tuesday, March 12, 2002