GEORGE Butler battled his heart out as he lost on points in the quarter-finals of the National Schools Championships in Liverpool.

The 12-year-old, who fights for Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club, came up against the more experienced James McMeekin from County Durham and threw everything into his performance.

He remained in contention throughout the three hard rounds but was edged out.

Meanwhile, a well-attended home show in Stoke Prior saw 13 boxers from the club on display.

Top-of-the-bill Michael Pardoe, 26, against Walsall’s Danny Breeze lived up to expectations — a cracking contest between two experienced boxers, with Breeze edging it.

There was also disappointment for Anthony Badams, 27, 25-year-old Aaron Beckford and Lewis Vine, 24, who all lost, but they all showed plenty of promise in entertaining bouts.

Six days later, at Shrewsbury, Vine had a good win in a hard fought battle with Ludlow’s Chris Preece.

Among the juniors at Stoke Prior, Paul Butler, 15, stood out.

Boxing skilfully against an aggressive opponent from St Helens he won comfortably on points — and then did it again four days later at Stoke-on-Trent when outpointing local hero Jack Bettany.

Harry Smith, 15, and Tyrone Manley, 13, both had first round wins at Stoke Prior against opponents from Derby and Devizes respectively.

Smith boxed again a week later at Shrewsbury where he narrowly lost on points in a hard contest with home fighter Lewis Jones.

There were also good wins Richard Evans, 13, and Liam Jones, 11, who both outpointed boxers from Derby and Devizes respectively.

Wayne Smith, 15, boxed brilliantly before running out of steam and lost on a split decision to Coventry’s Luca Astolfi, and Solomon Butler also lost to Jack Jones from St Helens.

James Taylor,12, and Joe Doyle, 10, both boxed entertaining skills bouts, demonstrating the wealth of junior talent at the club.

The club is now opening on Sundays (5.30pm to 6.30pm) for junior beginners.

Children from the age of nine are welcome and anyone who wants more information can call coach Chris Andrews 07961-375903 or email chris@dabco.demon.co.uk