HORSESHOE ABC suffered a disappointing weekend at the semi-finals of the All England Junior Novices in Croydon.

Although Gary O’Reilly progressed to next weekend’s final, it was courtesy of a bye after his opponent, Frank McDonagh from Finchley ABC, was struck down by flu.

Horseshoe’s other two boxers, George White and Sam Vallis, suffered close points defeats.

White made a great start against Billericay’s Luke Hasson, keeping his rival at long range and landing with some good two hand combinations.

The second round was much of the same until Hasson slipped under White’s defence and caught him on the chin, causing White to be given a standing count. Both boxers then went toe-to-toe for the remainder of the fight, with Hasson winning a split decision.

Vallis, who had boxed three times to get this far in the competition, was up against the talented James Hawley of Keddles ABC in London.

Unfazed by his rival, Vallis countered well in the early stages, slipping jabs and moving well. Hawley slowed down his attacks and when he did come forward, Vallis came out on top in the exchanges.

Although Hawley controlled the centre of the ring, the London boxer didn’t appear to land enough punches with Vallis always getting the better of the action.

But despite Vallis’ dominance, the judges gave the decision to Hawley much to the Horseshoe boxer’s disappointment.