TOBY Osmond missed out on a place in the final of the Junior ABA Championships despite a spirited display.

Boxing against Strood’s Alfie Little, the Weymouth star made a cautious start to proceedings.

His opponent attacked from the off, firing shots to the head and body, but back came Osmond with a strong right.

Little continued to unleash some heavy blows, forcing Osmond to box on retreat.

The seasider knew he was trailing as the bell sounded but the 9-1 scoreline seemed somewhat excessive.

Feeling aggrieved, the 16-year-old took the early initiative in the second round with some solid jabs to the head.

Little was struggling to connect and soon found himself on the ropes courtesy of a fine combination from Osmond.

The latter deservedly won the round, 7-6, to close the deficit to seven points.

Osmond started the third as he had ended the second – very much in the ascendancy – but Little refused to lie down and responded with a shot to the chin.

The Weymouth member appeared to finish the bout the stronger as both teenagers went toe-to-toe and Osmond’s coaches believed it would be a close call.

Much to their surprise, the judges awarded the final round 11-8 in favour of Little, handing the Kent boxer a 26-16 victory.

Club president David Nelmes said: “It was a fantastic performance from Toby when you consider his opponent has had 23 bouts, winning 20 with 18 of those by knockout.

“And in this year’s championships, prior to his bout with Toby, he had knocked out every boy he had faced in the first round.

“We wish Alfie the best of luck for the final.”