Third successive final for Tommy (From Swindon Advertiser)

Third successive final for Tommy

9:20am Tuesday 23rd February 2010 in

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Walcot boxer Tommy McDonagh has reached his third consecutive National Schools final after a points win over Dagenham’s Reid Hill in the semis at Haslemere.

From the beginning McDonagh, pictured right, attacked with left jabs and straight rights while Hill looked to box on the counter attack, and after the opening two minutes the Walcot boxer was 3-2 up.

The middle session saw two tight defences at work and the 4-3 scoreline reflected this, but McDonagh edged the final round and was rewarded with a 5-4 points decision.

‘I’m pleased to have won as Hill was a difficult opponent, but I know I can box better in the final,” said McDonagh.

“I have two weeks to prepare for it and make sure I am at my peak.”

Tommy’s younger brother Patrick was unlucky not to join his brother in the final, after he lost a close and controversial points decision to Jimmy Smith from Repton.

An all-action display from both talented youngsters thrilled the large crowd but it was the Londoner who edged the decision 5-4.

The Walcot boxer appeared to land better shots, and although three of the five judges had McDonagh ahead, Smith won the contest.

Chief coach Harry Scott said: “Well done to Tommy on reaching a third National Schools final.

“That is some achievement, only Ryan Martin has previously achieved that feat for us.

“Patrick can consider himself very unlucky as he boxed well and should have been given the decision.

“One judge had him 18-12 ahead at the end so how he lost is beyond me.

“Now Tommy has to work hard for two weeks and make sure he’s ready for the northern champion in the final.”

The final is on the weekend of March 6-7 at Brentwood.