Berinsfield's Michael McDonagh was in determined mood to stop Milton Keynes rival Fred Lane as the National Schoolboys Championships got under way at Cheshunt.

After an intense toe-to-toe first session, McDonagh intensified his attack.

An unanswered barrage made his rival wilt to prompt the referee to step in and call a halt 30 seconds into round two of their Class 1 (13 and under) 36kg clash.

McDonagh now meets Bletchley’s Owen Gidman in the Home Counties final at Luton on Monday. In the same age group, Jamie Maughan was the victim of a highly-dubious decision following his 46kg encounter with Steve O’Hara from the host gym.

The Berinsfield youngster looked to be in control throughout and the result stunned his corner.

Ciaran Flanagan has his first outing in the championship at Luton where he faces Stevenage’s Danny Hashmi in the Class 3 (15 and under) 44kg category.

Already through to the national quarter-finals is southpaw Rowan Wadley, who mesmerised Stevenage rival Charlie Eales for three rounds to be Home Counties champion in the Class 2 (14 and under) 42 kg division. Guaranteed to join him at the Exeter Hall in Kidlington on Sunday, February 12 are Windrush Valley duo Jake James l’Anson and Tommy Lee Connors after both had Home Counties walkovers.