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	2010 Schoolboy Championships Quarter Finals
	Written by Chris Walker (Ringside)

The performances of Everton Red Triangle duo Peter McGrail and Andrew Cain were the high point of a busy day’s boxing as the 2010 Schoolboy Championships reached the quarter final stage at Everton Park Sports Centre.

Highly talented McGrail perhaps faced the toughest assignment of all our region’s boxers as he was drawn against the equally capable Connor Jones who was representing Lions ABC.

McGrail used his rapid southpaw jab from the outset denying Jones any possible way of forcing his way into the bout.  The absence of any eye catching shots was obvious as these two skilled youngsters opted to adapt defensive tactics in hope of launching purposeful counter attacks.

This strategy suited McGrail more as his quicker reflexes enabled him to score more frequently then his frustrated opponent.  Jones had some slight success towards the end of the final session but it was all too late as McGrail collected the judges’ verdict.

McGrail’s clubmate Andrew Cain had it a little easier then his gym colleague as he easily brushed aside Pleck’s Haran Bains.  On this form it’ll be hard to find a boxer in the country who can live with The Triangle’s pint-sized prospect as Cain’s punch outlay is phenomenal.

The confident youth jumped on Bains from the outset displaying superb variety as he attacked from a wide range of unorthodox angles. 

A count awarded to Bains in the final round capped off a remarkable performance for Cain who must be extremely confident as we approach the semi-final stage in two weeks time.

Another impressive display was that of Kirkby’s Steve Ferguson.  Having seen four of his stable fail to progress to the competition’s next chapter, there was huge pressure on the youngster to deliver.
Standing between Ferguson and a place in the semis was Capitol’s Kazeem Mahmood, an accomplished southpaw who has featured on the international circuit.

The improved Kirkby man showed no respect for his opponent’s credentials as he dominated this contest from the beginning.

Ferguson appeared to be too strong for Mahmood as he bossed the majority of inside exchanges and also scored repeatedly with his heavy right hand. 
The contest became more straightforward for Ferguson the longer it went on and by the end of the third session it was obvious to Ferguson’s large following that their man had done more than enough.  The ringside experts agreed with them as Ferguson marches on.

Full results (Winners in bold)