LITTLE Thurrock Dynamos Boxers Under-9s came agonisingly close to victory in a tournament at Butlins before going down in the final.

Over the weekend, the young side played four games on the first day, winning three and drawing one, to finish top of the group at the end of the first day.

The next day they won two games to reach the semi-finals, winning 3-2 on penalties to reach the final.

But they were edged out 1-0 in the final in what remained a hugely successful weekend.

The successful team was made up of (back row l-r) coach Bislim Hoxha, Joseph Omowonile, Reon George, Frankie Senior, Aurel Hoxha, Tise Akinsuyi and manager Grant Sach. (Front row l-r) Joe Monk, Flynn Warne, Preston Madden, Denny Sach.