BOXING rookie Josh Lambert tasted victory with his first ever fight on Saturday in the national Novice Championships.

And now the Galashiels Boxing Club fighter will return to the ring this weekend for a semi-final bout in the Elite 81kg division.

Lambert faced the more experienced Brian Scotland at Ravenscraig in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Following a thrilling contest, it was the Gala boxer who deservedly earned a unanimous points victory.

Matthews had come out looking for a bit of a tear up from the bell, but slick and determined boxing from the newcomer led to some solid scoring punches being landed.

Always in control of the bout Lambert rocked his opponent numerous times with well-timed hooks.

The excellent debut sees the Galashiels fighter face the even more experienced Paul Greville in the semi-finals on Saturday.

But he won't be joined in the latter stages of the 81kgs division by his stablemate Dale King, who was narrowly edged out during Saturday's opening bout at Ravenscraig.

Following a reasonably quiet opening round against Kingdom's Sean Matthew both boxers got down to business in the second, trading big blows along the way.

After a further competitive display from both in the third, it was Matthews who got the decision.

Galashiels Boxing Club coach Jim Doris was pleased witht he efforts from both of his fighters.

He told us: “ This was two hard bouts for the boys, with both of them impressing for their first time at national level.

"Thanks to all the coaches who travelled through for the competition and a special mention to coach Jim Gow for the extra sessions he put on for the boys in the build up to the Championships."