On starting school, the boys weren't greatly struck (7)

I believe the answer is:

snicked

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'struck' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for snicked that I've seen is " Perhaps offered chance".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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