EXPERIENCE finally told as Dynamics ABC rookie Ben Thornley bowed out of his first national tournament at the semi-final stage.

The 15-year-old Tottington High School pupil was pitted against reigning champion James Richardson, of Scunthorpe ABC, in the final four of the Junior ABA Championships.

But despite going the distance with the favourite for the under 75k division, the Elton-based youngster was just edged out on points.

“He has shown fantastic natural ability to get to the semi-finals in his first national tournament, but in the end Ben was just lacking that little bit of experience,” said Dynamics spokesman Denzel Lewis.

“That was the first fight he has lost since taking up the sport 18 months ago, but he hasn’t got that many bouts under his belt.

“He is a big lad for his age – if he was a senior he would be a heavyweight – so we have found it difficult to find fights for him.

“But he was never outclassed, and was in the contest right up to the final round, the other lad just had that little bit more experience.

“With another year under his belt, I think he would have won the fight, and I know he is mad keen to learn, improve and give it another shot.”