IT proved a step too far for two Worcester boxers last weekend as their respective title hopes in The National Association of Boys & Girls Clubs Championships came to an end at the semi-final stages.

Ryan Jones and Jay Powell were both representing Worcester City ABC (Amateur Boxing Club) against formidable opponents that proved too strong in the end.

Powell was first up and faced National Champion Connall Farrell from Salisbury ABC.

From the first bell, Powell did not let the experienced boxer faze him and took the fight to his opponent but the Salisbury boxer's ring tactics were key to winning the bout. 

As for Jones, he faced 4x National Champion and regular England squad attendee William Hewitt from Leigh ABC.

Hewit'ts backfoot boxing and footwork frustrated Jones as he found it hard to pin his opponent down leaving the judges no choice but to declare Hewitt the winner. 

Worcester City ABC head coach Mick Underwood said, "It's a shame to see the boxers lose but they lost to two experienced boxers.

"Jay and Ryan should be extremely proud of themselves and realise that they can mix it with the best boxers in the country in their categories. I'm so proud of the performances they have both put in to get to this stage of the championships."