EMERALDS Boxing Club is celebrating after two of their youngsters earned national titles at the finals of the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs (NAB&GC) Championships.

The Chippenham club’s Johnny Ward, 15, clinched victory in the class A (66kg) final in Portsmouth, claiming an unanimous decision Tyler Rivers, of Earl Shilton ABC (Northampton).

Yet the real surprise had emerged 24 hours earlier as 16-year-old Jade Croom lifted the Class B (75 kg) crown - following a see-saw battle to even get her into the ring.

Croom had entered in the over 66kg category but was forced to withdraw when the only other contender pulled out because she failed to make the age restriction.

Offered the chance to fight against Tori Creighton, from Ward Degans Boxing Club in Darlington, at a higher weight level, that fight also looked in initial jeopardy due to the weight difference before getting the go-ahead.

Croom took a standing eight count in the first round, but recovered in the second and then earned a split-decision triumph in only her third fight.

Emeralds head coach Liam Lathbury said: “It’s a dream come true. We always expected Johnny Ward to do really well and most likely win, but we did take a bit of a risk with Jade Croom, as she wasn’t very experienced, only having had two previous fights and going straight into the final against a much more experienced girl.

“But knowing how strong and tough she is we thought it well worth giving her a chance and everything paid off big time. I hope that our success will attract others to join our club and maybe give us more champions.’’