WEST HAM S Luke Saunders took his first step on the ABA junior title trail at The Five Star club, Harold Hill on Saturday with a classy win over Repton rival Romario Wallace. He launched his national title campaign at the North East London Divis-ional Cha

WEST HAM'S Luke Saunders took his first step on the ABA junior title trail at The Five Star club, Harold Hill on Saturday with a classy win over Repton rival Romario Wallace.

He launched his national title campaign at the North East London Divis-ional Championships taking the honours after a keenly-fought clash.

The classy Repton club hope scored early points, but it was Saunders who slammed back in style to clinch the verdict and book his place in the semi-finals and finals at York Hall on March 28.

Also booking his final spot, Sam Bezzina came out on top of an all-West Ham club clash with Alfie Price.

Some ringsiders thought that Price had done enough to take the verdict, but it was Bezzina who clinched the verdict.

There was disappointment and a first defeat for outstanding Hammer Tom Beaney, who looked like repeating his recent success over Repton's strong Scott McNess as he piled up the points early on.

However, the Repton boxer rallied in the final round and Beaney was warned for holding before the referee intervened and disqualified the Hammer.

Harry Price was eliminated by Repton rival Andrew Smith.

n West Ham welterweight Dudley O'Shaughnessy is bidding to go one better on the ABA title trail this time after losing out in last year's national final. He is eyeing another London title on Saturday.

He lines up for the semi-finals at York Hall, (1pm start) with the winners going forward to the finals later in the day.

Shaun Hussain, and Tom Baker also carry West Ham hopes on Saturday with Peacock's Wadi Camacho at heavyweight.