WALCOT ABC’s first event of the season produced an exciting 14-fight bill in front of a packed house at the Supermarine Sports and Social Club, writes DAVE VEYSEY.

Twelve of the bouts featured boxers from the host club, with the stylish Kieran O’Donoghue taking the ‘Best Walcot Boxer’ trophy after an inspired display against Brentwood’s national champion Jake Spooner.

This was the bout of the night, as these two talented teenagers thrilled the crowd with a pulsating contest.

The 14-year-old Swindonian, with dad Jason in his corner, attacked from the opening bell, scoring with fast left jabs and straight rights to take the opening round.

The second session saw Spooner begin to land with more jabs of his own to close the gap.

During the final two minutes O’Donoghue increased the tempo further to run out a deserved unanimous points winner.

Earlier Orgest Peroshi, also 14, got the ball rolling with a debut victory over Jack Farmer from the Lion ABC in London.

His all-action style proved a real crowd-pleaser and took him to a unanimous points victory.

Another impressive debutant, pint-sized Mikey McDonagh, beat Darren Ward from Islington on a unanimous points decision.

Just days after his 11th birthday, he became the fifth McDonagh brother to wear the Walcot vest in competitive action.

His older brothers Tommy and Patrick are national champions and Mikey looks likely to follow in their footsteps.

Milo Bolton, 12, produced his best display in a Walcot vest to comprehensively outpoint Jay Phelps from the Factory ABC.

The son of Walcot coach Mike landed with fast combinations in the second and third rounds to win on a unanimous points margin.

Callum Wells celebrated his 16th birthday a week early by gaining a stoppage win over Martin Pirret of Downend in Bristol.

Intense pressure from the Dorcan schoolboy led to a standing count for the Bristolian early in the second round, with his corner throwing in the towel shortly afterwards.

The only senior Walcot boxer on duty, Said Salem, brought the curtain down on a great evening with a hard-fought majority points win over Garvey Kelly from the local Fitzpatricks gym.

Despite giving away height and weight, Salem’s never-say-die attitude helped him to win a close contest on points.

Many Walcot boxers were valiant in defeat, none more so than 14-year-old Jimmy McDonagh, who lost a close battle with Morgan Boseley of Far Cotton ABC in Northampton.

Boseley was last season’s schoolboy national finalist at 42kg and is a classy operator, but McDonagh pushed him all the way before narrowly losing on points.

Twelve-year-old Ross Kennedy looked unfortunate to lose a close one to Michael McDonagh of Islington by a majority points verdict.

There was very little to choose between them, but there can be no draws in amateur boxing.

Jack Evans lost a great bout with Lewis Townsend (Windrush Valley), Charlie Trinder boxed well but was just beaten to the punch by Sam Mann of the Factory ABC, Hugh Gallagher battled bravely but lost out to Nathan Hall (Windrush Valley) while Prinston Gomez found Sam Thomas (Titans) too tough on debut.

Former Walcot boxer Cullum Large, 15, now competing for Fitzpatricks Gym, put on a polished display to outpoint Islington’s Tyrone Negasi.

Walcot chief coach Harry Scott said: “There were some great performances in the ring tonight, and I was pleased with the effort put in by all the boxers.

“I must thank my coaching team for their hard work this evening, and thanks to all our supporters, especially Vince Gibbs our main sponsor, for their support this evening.

“The crowd were well entertained and I hope they come back for our next show in May.”