TWO Hartlepool Catholic Club boxers are aiming to become the first double act from the stable to claim National Schoolboys' titles since 1994.

Steven Cosgrove and Glenn Watson, both 12, overcame handy opponents in their semi-final clashes at Liverpool's Skelmersdale venue last weekend.

If both can go one step further and record victories in their final bouts during the weekend of March 9/10 at Barnsley, they will have recorded a double success for the club not achieved since James Rooney and Dwayne Thomas did it eight years ago.

Cosgrove was first to make progress in his 32 kg Class 1 fight with Vauxhall Motors' Paul Butler, who was the local's favourite.

In only Cosgrove's ninth fight he quickly got to grips with Butler and was not at all overawed.

Cosgrove's jabs and combinations were causing problems and after another good second round Butler went into the third and final round knowing he had a lot to do.

But in the end the Hartlepool youngster deservedly recorded a narrow 7-6 points victory and he now faces Billy Buckland of the reputable Repton gym.

Watson's success came against Blackpool's John Arnfield - much to the delight of Catholic's strong travelling support.

Arnfield looked dangerous throughout the 34kg Class 1 encounter but the North-East fighter shaded every round and his victory was never in doubt.

The Blackpool boxer never gave up but in the final round Watson, with a Hartlepool monkey mascot hanging from his shorts, turned on the style from the centre of the ring and recorded a 13-9 points victory. Watson now faces Cheshunt's strong southpaw Billy Sanders.

Catholic coach Paul Allen was delighted with his pair, he said: "The victories brought a tear to my eye they really did. They have both done superbly.

"We all know at the club that they have been handed tough draws but I'm sure they will be able to cope."

Should Cosgrove and Watson succeed at Barnsley they will be automatically selected to represent England in the multi-nations.