Two North-East boxers are through to the finals of the national schoolboy championships. Spennymoor Boxing Academy's Nathan Ballan and Brad Saunders both won last Saturday at the semi-final stage in Barnsley and now progress to the finals next month.

Boxing at 48kg, 14-year-old Saunders unanimously outpointed Merseysider Danny Clarke of Ellesmere Port after the three two-minute rounds using the computer scoring system.

Ballan, also 14, competed in the 51kg category against Steven Cooper of Clegg ABC, Walsall, and he won by a majority points decision.

Secretary Paul Hodgson was delighted with the two boxers, heaping praise on the proteges.

He said: "They were both brilliant because they were tough contests against England internationals."

Saunders was determined avenge a defeat inflicted on him three years ago when he met Clarke in Liverpool.

"Early in Brad's career he was beaten by Clarke so it was a bit of a revenge for us really. We think that it was a bit of a 'homer' decision," said Hodgson.

"Ever since then we've been wanting to beat him.

"They've got large families and they've got a large following so there was plenty of support for them. "There are two very happy families in Durham this week!"

Coaches Neil McCormack and Jeff Saunders, who is Brad's father, also came in for praise from Hodgson. "Those two have been excellent," he said.

Saunders and Ballan will be up against Carl Cox of Bristol and Mark O'Donnell of Dale Youth, London, respectively in Barking, Essex on March 9.