REPTON S Michael Norgrove suffered a narrow defeat in the finals of the National Novices championships in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts on Sunday as he was outpointed by Sheffield rival Ray Gleeson in the Under-75kg decider. Top prospect Norgrove had blazed

REPTON'S Michael Norgrove suffered a narrow defeat in the finals of the National Novices

championships in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts on Sunday as he was outpointed by Sheffield rival Ray Gleeson in the Under-75kg decider.

Top prospect Norgrove had blazed his way to the title decider with a series of stunning displays in the qualifying rounds, but his bid to lift the crown ended in disappointment as Gleeson won a tight decision to secure the title.

The Sheffield Boxing Centre prospect was on the receiving end of some solid shots from the powerful Norgrove but fought back gamely with his own punches.

Repton supporters thought Norgrove had done enough to win but the judges' verdict went in favour of the Sheffield boxer.

"Michael gave a good display and I know he will learn from the experience," said the Bethnal Green club's chief coach Tony Burns.

Repton fighter Frank Buglioni also endured a disappointing defeat when he dropped a tight points verdict against Irish rival Steve O'Reilly in the Under-21 international between England and Ireland in Dublin on Saturday night.

The aggressive Buglioni forced the pace for most of the way, shaking his rival with solid shots to head and body.

Twin Towns club boxer O'Reilly was able to score at long range but the Repton boxer appeared to have done enough to seal victory, before the judges' decision went in favour of the home fighter.

The 10-7 verdict in the Irish boxer's favour helped the home team to an 8-6 overall victory.

There was a double success for the Bethnal Green club in the English Universities championship finals in Portsmouth last week as Repton pair Michael Channing and Mohammad Ishad both scooped titles.

Channing clinched his final spot with some good performances including a semi-final success over Ray Burton, from Sunderland, in the Under-69kg section for boxers with over 10 bouts.

He clinched the title with a solid win over Bristol University opponent Steve Horgan.

Ishad boxed his way to the Under-60kg novice title with a series of good wins that culminated in a final success against John Devonish, from Leeds Metropolitan University.

l East London fighter Des Johnson came through a winner in Newham boxing club colours when he outscored Midlands rival Jim Foster in Birmingham last weekend.

Johnson gave a solid performance to dominate the exchanges and was good value for the points success over his Hartley club opponent.