PATRICK McDonagh became the latest Walcot boxer to reach a national final when he came from behind to win his schoolboy semi in Surrey at the weekend.

The 14-year-old encountered the tall Inda Basi from Gator ABC in London in a Class 2 (52kgs) contest.

Initially McDonagh found the superior reach of the Londoner difficult to handle, and was 6-4 down after the opening round.

But he employed different tactics during the second session, keeping close to his opponent and scoring with jabs, uppercuts and straight lefts, taking him into a 10-9 lead.

The final period saw the southpaw pile on the pressure and run out a comfortable 18-13 points winner.

“I am delighted to have reached my first national final,” said McDonagh afterwards.

“I would like to thank all my Walcot coaches, especially Harry Scott who opens the gym every night for us.

“I must also thank my dad Paddy for all his support.”

There was disappointment for Patrick's brother Jimmy, 12, who was beaten by Hoddesdon’s Francis Doherty in their Class 1 (34kgs) bout.

It was all square at 2-2 after the opening round, and a final score of 13-4 gave what appeared a close contest a somewhat lopsided view.

Also bowing out at the same stage were fellow 12-year-olds Said Eltuyev and Kieran O'Donoghue.

Eltuyev lost his Class 1 (36kgs) battle with Johnny Ellis from West Ham ABC 14-8.

After two close rounds, Ellis led by just one point before increasing his advantage in the final session.

O'Donoghue matched Repton opponent Tyrane Wynter blow for blow during the early stages of their Class 1 (42kgs) bout, but Wynter pulled away to win 20-9 despite the Dorcan pupil's efforts.

Coach Harry Scott said: “I am proud of them all.

“Today they met the best schoolboys from the south of England and can walk away with their heads held high.

“Patrick did very well but now he has to concentrate on the final.”

The national schoolboy final is on Saturday, March 5 in Manchester.