Big-hitting Craig Higgs came close to glory, losing on a narrow points decision in the national schools boxing championships.

The 16-year-old Oakbank School pupil had already been crowned champion of Yorkshire, Yorkshire & Humberside and the North East Counties in the 76k class en-route to last weekend's North of England finals.

The contest with North Western Counties champion, Alex Stephens, of Bury, was set to be a tough contest. Both fighters had won all the championship bouts inside the distance on their way to the finals at Liverpool's Everton Park Sports Centre.

The Keighley boxer took first blood with some straight jabs to his opponent's face. He had further success, but the decisive punch came midway through the third round when a sweeping left hock put him on the canvas. He did well to beat the count, and the Keighley Boxing Club member went on to battle back resolutely. However, the knock-down just edged the judges' decision in favour of the Bury boxer, taking the contest with three identical scored of 59-58.

Higgs can be proud of his performance which took him to the last eight in England and Wales.

Higgs has also been called up for the Yorkshire Squad to train for the forthcoming senior and junior county fixtures at home and in London. He will be joined by six other Keighley ABC members: Danny Spilsbury, Dave Ireland, Luke Tuck, Mark Kilroy, Thomas Binns and Matthew Booth who will also join the country squad.

"To have so many in the county squad is a very proud achievement for the club and for Keighley," said club spokesman, Roger Ingham.

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