Jason Grant failed in his bid to become the Home Counties champion when he fought in front of his own Berinsfield ABC members on Saturday.

Competing in the welterweight final against Slough's J Akram, Grant took an early standing count of eight before being stopped inside 90 seconds by a powerful opponent.

It was a great honour for Berinsfield to stage the Home Counties finals, but sadly, a number of them ended in walkovers.

One of the beneficiaries was Wolvercote ABC's Chris Woods, who captured the middleweight title without having to fight.

While the 250-strong crowd were disappointed by the gaps in the programme, they were more than entertained by some sterling performances from young Berinsfield fighters in the supporting contests.

There was a revenge win for Berinsfield's Simon Welsh in his 53kg fight against Jimmy Connelly, from Birmingham. Having lost narrowly on points in their previous fight, Welsh this time got the verdict this time.

Gavin Lissenden, fighting at 66kg, gained a majority points decision over Scott Cuczak (Bristol), while Mark Sadler stopped his 35kg opponent Henry Jones (Droitwich) in the second round.

The quickest win by a Berinsfield boxer came from Michael Lobb (58kg), who stopped William Smythe (Milton Jeynes) in the first round.

HOME COUNTIES FINALS

Light flyweight: M Rabb (Reading) wo. Flyweight: C Jury (Reading) wo. Flyweight: H Rahman (Watford) wo. Light welterweight: N Ward (Reading) bt I Reading (Hitchin) 2nd. Welterweight: J Akram (Slough) bt J Grant (Berinsfield). Light middleweight: E Matthews bt C Marks (Luton). Middleweight: C Woods (Wolvercote) wo. Light heavyweight: S Price (Pinewood) bt S Lawler (Luton) pts. Heavyweight: R James-Bowen (Milton Keynes) wo. Super heavyweight: M Legg (Watford) bt S Dunn (Watford).

*Abingdon middleweight Rodgers recorded his fourth win in five fights when he beat Southampton's P Marcer at a dinner show in Reading. Using his reach advantage, Rodgers gained a unanimous points verdict.

Abingdon BC are holding a dinner show at the Guildhall, Abingdon on April 20. Those wishing to attend can contact Nigel James (tel 01235 531895).