A TRIO of West Ham BC hopes are just a single victory away from their place in the national schoolboys boxing finals, which take place in Brentwood in March. Two of the three, Patrick Ellis and Joe Tokeley, came through their quarter-final tests in style

A TRIO of West Ham BC hopes are just a single victory away from their place in the national schoolboys boxing finals, which take place in Brentwood in March.

Two of the three, Patrick Ellis and Joe Tokeley, came through their quarter-final tests in style at the Belhus Park BC, South Ockendon, on Saturday.

Southend boxer Brian Polkington hoped to end the title ambitions of Ellis but the West Ham club boxer kept up the pressure, as the judges decision went 4-2 in his favour.

Classy Tokeley found Billericay's Karl Davies an elusive opponent, but it was the Hammer who fired the effective attacks to finish a 4-3 points winner.

The pair move forward to the national semi-finals, which take place at Haslemere, Surrey, on February 21.

They will be joined by Billy Hodder, who is back in the championships after losing his London final clash with John Newman (Westside).

However, an injury has forced the Westside club boxer to withdraw giving West Hammer Hodder another chance at honours.

Talented March BC entry Chris Stevens defeated Douglas Docherty (West Ham), but the less experienced Hammers' hope went out with a battling display.

Also making his exit at the championships was Newham BC entry Desmond Johnson, who lost a points verdict to Mike Maloney (Chadwell) in their quarter-final clash.

It was also the end of the championships for Fairbairn BC hope Harry Singh at Ockendon when he dropped a tight verdict against Southend rival Charlie Warr.

The semi-final tournament is booked for Haselmere, Surrey on February 21, with the boxers battling for places in the finals at Brentwood two weeks later.

WEST HAM and Newham club boxers are lined up for action at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Saturday, when the London CYP Boys Club semi-finals take place.

Following last week's weigh-in and some preliminary contests taking place earlier this week, the action switches to York Hall with some promising pairings between London rivals.

A packed programme of 30 contests is scheduled for the boys clubs tournament - with the winners going forward to the finals the following week.