BARNSTAPLE ABC favourites Joe Ogijewicz and Keir McKinnon both produced gutsy efforts on the road at the weekend.

And despite defeats against strong opposition there was plenty of pride to be taken from their displays.

Boxing in the national semi-finals of the Royal Navy/ABAE Schools Championships at the Edge Leisure Centre in Surrey, Ogijewicz put up a great fight against a classy opponent.

With a record of 17 wins from 18 bouts, Kent boxer Adam Middleton, of Nemesis ABC, was always going to be tough.

Middleton used his height and reach advantage for a 2-1 lead at the end of round one, although Ogi found his way inside to land a stiff uppercut.

Maintaining his work-rate in round two, the Barum prospect tried to get past his rival's long southpaw jabs but was outscored 3-1.

Ogi knew he needed a big final round and backed the Nemesis lad on to the ropes with some strong shots before taking some swift counter punches.

Despite a gallant effort he missed out 6-3 overall.

The same scoreline left McKinnon disappointed after a thrilling bout with Cwmbran ABC's Adam Goldsmith in the NA CYP quarter-finals at Newbridge, South Wales.

Fought at a tremendous pace, both boxers seemed to land countless quality shots over the first two rounds of the Class B 63kg contest.

At that stage, the Welsh champion held a slender lead, while South West representative McKinnon was starting to suffer the effects of a knee injury. Giving everything for the frantic final round, he made the Barum corner proud.

Barnstaple ABC's show at Petroc, scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed.

● Combe Martin ABC had two unanimous winners at the Bodmin ABC show on Saturday.

Joe Mallinder kept his cool and maintained a tight guard against John Welshman of Pilgrims ABC.

Despite suffering a nosebleed, he remained focused, catching his shorter opponent with one-two combinations.

Mallinder, who beat Shaun Southwell in a thrilling debut last month, aims for his third straight win at the Launceston show on Saturday.

Dedicated training is paying off for Mark Peach who will be running his first half marathon in Bideford on March 7.

Facing a southpaw opponent for the first time, he beat Travis Kaute of St Just ABC.

A change of tactics in round two saw Peach pick off his rival with three and four punch combinations,

Catching Kaute with right uppercuts and left hooks to the body and head, Peach took control of the bout and picked off his opponent with ease in the third.