Berinsfield’s Niamh McGuckin is hoping to capture her first major title when she competes in the finals of the ABA national schoolgirls championships in Manchester today.

The 13-year-old Oxfordshire prospect came close last season when she lost a narrow decision to Emma Dolan.

And she was also narrowly outpointed when the pair met again in another thriller on a Berinsfield show this year.

But Dolan has now moved up a weight division, which means a relatively unknown opponent is now waiting for McGuckin in the other corner – Jordon O’Donoghue.

O’Donoghue made her debut on the same night as twin brother, Kieran, for Walcot ABC of Swindon.

Both girls have accumulated wins under their belt and have the pedigree to produce a truly absorbing 42kg final in the category for entrants born in 1998.

Berinsfield chief coach Mel Corrigan said: “Niamh has trained really well and worked hard with all three coaches at the gym.

“She came close last season and that extra determination being shown now will see her get the reward all her effort deserves.” Windrush Valley’s Charlotte Clements appears in the finals for the first time when she faces Charnelle Gaynor from the Swale Gloves gym in the 38kg division for girls born in 1997.

Jasmine Yeates previously won a national female title in the same club colours.