Repton's schoolboy boxers punched out a title treble on Sunday as Simon Baker, Romario Wallace and Tommy Buckley clinched National Schools awards

By LEN WHALEY

Repton's schoolboy boxers punched out a title treble on Sunday as Simon Baker, Romario Wallace and Tommy Buckley clinched National Schools awards.

The Royal Navy-sponsored finals paraded the country's top young talent at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre and the Bethnal Green club's fighters were good value for their 2009 crowns.

There was a blow for Repton's hopes earlier in the week when a fourth finalist, Perry Lovejoy, was forced to withdraw after failing to shake off a virus.

But Baker got the Bethnal Green club's final challenge off to a winning start in Dagenham when he outscored Capitol BC's Kazeem Mahmood in the Class Two Under-57kg final.

The classy Baker took control of the contest from the outset and landed the telling shots to build up a commanding points lead against his Coventry rival.

Mahmood landed some solid shots in an effort to turn the bout his way but Baker's punches were more effective as he built up an 11-5 victory margin.

In the Class Three Under-52kg final, Joe Thompson tried gamely to upset the talented Wallace, but the Repton hope settled after the opening round and began to slam his explosive punches through the Kingston boxer's defences.

A left-right combination forced Thompson to take a standing count in the second session, and though he bravely survived to last the distance, Wallace was named an 11-5 winner.

In the Under-75kg showdown, Strood fighter Omar Basara supplied the opposition for the taller Buckley, who scored effectively with his long jab.

The stocky Basara did his best work in close-quarter bursts but although Buckley was reluctant to use his right, he scored enough points to sway a tight verdict his way, clinching Repton's third title with a majority decision.

Meanwhile, Lee Newman will receive his first England vest when he steps up for action in the match against Ireland in London on Friday March 20.

The call-up means the former Dagenham BC light middleweight, who now wears Repton colours, will have to forgo his bid for ABA title honours since the national title trail starts on the same night.

"I gave Lee the choice and he decided to go for the England vest as it means something special," said Repton coach Tony Burns.