A TRIO of young Walcot boxers experienced mixed fortunes at the Avalon ABC boxing event in Glastonbury.

The star of the show for the Swindon gym was 12-year-old Nigel Harris, who made a dream debut against Thomas Benfield from Leigh Park ABC in Hampshire.

The Churchfields Academy pupil made a confident start, scoring with fast left jabs and straight rights to take the opener.

However, during the middle session Benfield increased his workrate and enjoyed greater success to edge a close round.

A supreme effort by the Walcot boxer in the last round saw him dominate the action and he was rewarded at the end of an entertaining contest with a unanimous points’ verdict from the ringside judges.

But there was disappointment for club mates Drew Hunt and James Anderson, also 12.

Drew encountered Jack Lintern from local club Shepton Mallet, and these two talented youngsters put on a terrific display.

Lintern edged the opening round, with the Walcot boxer appearing to take the next two, but at the end of the bout Lintern was awarded victory by a split points’ decision.

Anderson met Joel Garratt from the host club in a thrilling contest.

Roared on by his supporters Garratt made a fast start, using his slight reach advantage to score with his left jab.

Anderson came storming out for the second round, and he launched himself at his opponent with hard lefts and heavy straight rights.

The Somerset boxer responded with straight shots but James appeared to land with more telling blows.

The Walcot camp felt their man had done enough, but it was Garratt who was declared the winner by a unanimous points decision.

Walcot chief coach Harry Scott summed up the evening for his club, saying: “All three lads gave one hundred per cent effort – and that’s all we as coaches can ask for.

“Nigel boxed well on debut, and I thought both Drew and James did enough to win, but that’s boxing.”