Walcot's youngsters experienced mixed fortunes in the quarter finals of the national Golden Gloves Championship, at Broad Plain Boys' Club, Bristol, writes DAVE VEYSEY.

Thirteen-year-old Ryan Martin boxed superbly to comprehensively outpoint Rhys Murphy of Woking ABC.

Last season's Class One featherweight champion has moved up to lightweight for this season's campaign, and attacked from the outset in a thumping 16-1 win.

"I'm happy with the result. I boxed fairly well, but I can improve, as that was only my second contest this season,'' said Martin.

Fourteen-year-old Joe Buckley completed the double with a points win over Billy Eastwood from the Grange ABC, in their Class Three featherweight encounter.

Eastwood beat the Walcot boxer at this stage of the competition last season, but a fast start saw Buckley catch him with a left jab and a straight right to put him in control.

A final score of 7-3 reflected his superiority and was a fantastic result for a boxer who only returned to the gym last month after almost a year off.

But there was disappointment for Connor Wells, who saw his recent good run ended by Guildford City's Frankie Smith.

A scoreline of 8-0 in favour of the Surrey boxer did not reflect the workrate or courage of the Dorcan schoolboy, and baffled many ringside observers, including chief coach Harry Scott.

He said: "How the judges can say Connor landed no scoring punches is a mystery.

"He lost a fairly close contest and has had a great run to get this far. He is a model boxer and a pleasure to train.'' He added: "Ryan was one of the best boxers on show, he's the reigning champion and he performed like a champion. However, I know he can still get better.' "Joe (Buckley) returned to the gym about six weeks' ago after a long lay-off and has won two bouts in a week. He has worked very hard and I'm proud of him.'' Tommy McDonagh received a bye after his win last week and joins his two teammates in the semi-finals in Aldershot, on Saturday.