The early stages saw Carliga take a lead typical of his previous performances, but this only lasted for ten minutes before Borthwick slowly began to match the Argentinian. Then with ease, began mounting an impressive lead. The Scottish fans present were muted in their celebrations of this virtiual victory. Carliga has staged impressive fightbacks throughout his career but on this occasion the desire just didn't seem to be there. In the past we have seen him motor through a pack of twenty like a rapist awaiting trial. Borthwick didn't let up, despite amounting a 25 lum advantage with just 3 minutes left. The Scot even found extra stamina during that 3 minute period and managed to cram in another 5 lums, while Carliga leisurly sat back and savoured his last tab of these finals.
The Scottish fans errupted into jubilant celebrations but it wasn't enough to hide the jeering that could be heard aimed at the lack lustre Carliga. Empty fag packets rained down on the Argentinian as he stubbed out his final lum and made his way out of the auditorium surrounded by his body guards.
Borthwick, delighted with his personal performance in these finals punched the air, a smile on his face for the first time since this competition began. His trainer and management team huddled together as they were swamped by the equally jubilant support. |
