Three go forth for Dale Youth Club in the English Schoolboy Championships after Sunday's London final stage.

There were celebrations for Harry Connolly, Sean Robinson and Andrew Smith, who go on to the pre-quarter finals of the national competition sponsored by the Royal Navy.

But the heartbreak suffered by reigning champion Tommy McDonough in the U14 final had coaches from the North Kensington club shaking their heads in disbelief.

McDonough was beaten by an incredible 12-1 score, which had the tough youngster 6-0 down at the end of the first round to Tom Beany from West Ham.

"Tommy is not a 12-1 loser," said shocked coach Steve Newland. "After all, he's the reigning champion and I know all boxing coaches trot out 'we wuz robbed' when decisions go against them - but this was something different."

For all that, team-mate Connolly eased by two opponents to get a London medal in the U12, 38kilo class, although even he had a narrow 5-4 escape against W Powell of Bexley in the semi-final.

Sean Robinson was different class against Oliver Brown from the Fisher Club winning 5-2 in the U13, 42 kilo class.

And Andrew Smith was clearly in control throughout his final, but still only get a majority verdict over Charlie Eastwood from Epsom & Ewell in the U14, 63 kilos category.

Joining McDonough on the silver medal list were Patsy Corcoran, Martin Ward, and Charlie Puddles - all of whom suffered heavy defeats.

Newland said: "Despite some iffy decisions there were also some good opponents, and to get three through was a good day."