LOCAL featherweights Ricky McCabe and Jay Kilner featured in two of the closest bouts of the night but it wasn't enough to secure wins for Bolton Thai Boxing Club on the British championship title bill at Maryport.

In his third venture into the ring, 22-years-old Kilner claimed a draw with a Darlington opponent in a three round contest that was voted the best fight of the night. His stablemate, McCabe, suffered defeat in his debut fight but put up a good performance to force a split points decision.

Recent gradings at the Bolton club saw Damian Lees, Karl Bleakley, Nicki Merrills and Danielle Smethurst leap two colours in the armband rankings.

Among the 21 successes, which included students from the Wigan and Chorley clubs, was five years old Cameron Steele, who was awarded the white armband.