by Alex Hoad

Faversham ABC youngster Bill Ripley is seeking to be crowned ABAE National Schools champion on Sunday as his club continue a historic run of national success.

Ripley will face Reece Amir, of Sunderland ABC, in the Class 2 under-66kg category at Everton Park Leisure Centre, Liverpool, on Sunday afternoon after beating Jaydon Cooper, of Ferry Street ABC, in the semi-final in Portsmouth on February 16.

It is the fifth year in a row that a talented club youngster has reached a final of the prestigious amateur competition and head coach Gary Spring said: “We want Bill to come back here with another national title.”

The run began with victories in 2009 and 2010 and Spring added: “It’s an incredible achievement, if you think of these big clubs with lots of members who send 20 boys into this competition a year and don’t make a national final.

"For us to make finals five years in a row, and only entering three boys this year, it’s incredible. We’re the only club in the South East with a record like that. We have got some good kids in this gym.”

Spring added: "Bill's a big lad, 6ft at 13, he’s got a good reach and hasn’t got an ounce of fat on him. He’s got a bright future.

“His preparations have gone well, both him and his opponent have equal records and six wins so it’s going to be a close fight, it’s 50/50.”