BOTH of Swindon’s amateur boxing clubs will be represented at this weekend’s national schoolboy finals in Manchester.

Walcot are represented by Patrick McDonagh, while James Richards bids to triumph for Penhill.

Fourteen-year-old McDonagh must beat northern champion Khaleel Majid (Bridgewater Salford ABC) to claim the national title at Class 2 (52kgs).

To reach theshowpiece he blew away Ellis White (Wells) in less than a round to win the Western Counties stage and then enjoyed a comfortable 22-4 points victory over Guildford's Jimmy Mathews in the quarters.

The semi-final proved much tougher and the Walcot southpaw came from behind to defeat London champion Inda Basi 18-13.

Now he must beat Majid in his own backyard to secure his first national title and a guaranteed England Schoolboy vest.

His elder brother Tommy won the title three years ago, and now Patrick attempts to complete the family double.

He said: “It’s been a long, hard road but here I am in the final. I would love to emulate Tommy and win the national title.

“It’s going to be tough but I will give it my all.”

Veteran Walcot coach Harry Scott added: “Patrick is a talented boxer who has been at our gym since he was six years old.

“He has a great chance of lifting the title.”

Richards is in action tomorrow and will face Patsy McCann from Kettering SOB ABC.

Penhill head coach Simon Knowles said: “McCann only has one defeat in 24 bouts, but i do believe that James has all the ability to go all the way. “Just to reach the finals is a massive achievment for any boy.”

Richards added: “I’ve trained hard and am looking forward to the finals. I will be giving 100 per cent.”

The finals start at 1pm today at the Cedar Mount Sports Hall, Gorton, Manchester.

Meanwhile, Walcot's Mark 'Beano' Reynolds and Ilir Rrucaj encounter Western Counties opposition in the opening round of the Senior ABA Championships in Bristol.

Popular heavyweight Reynolds is in action against Nathan Maggs from Forest Oaks ABC in the Forest of Dean.

The 31-year-old beat Maggs at the same stage last year, so will be hoping for a repeat performance.

Clubmate Rrucaj, also 31, has three opponents in his 63.5kgs section - one from Frome, and two from Bristol.

And on a busy Saturday for the Walcot club they also have boxers competing at the Trowbridge ABC club event.

Fourteen-year-olds Lawrence Rees and John Luke Bolton are in action there.