Shaun, Reka and Neil travelled to Sheffield for the British Youth Fencing championships taking place over all 3 days of the May Bank Holiday. A staggering 29 of our fencers qualified. Regardless of results every one had fun and there were lots of smiling faces.
Saturday saw JJ (girls u14 epee) destroy the number 4 seed 12-3, finishing 16th overall and Zara S took 7 points off the number 1 seed. In the pool round Zara also beat the girl who would go on to win gold.
In u16 girls foil Maisie came second in her pool seeded 11th (when she is young for the age group) before finishing 17th.
Sunday belonged to Emily T, girls u14 foil who took two hits off the eventual winner in the pool round. Emily would then go on a winning streak of her own, fencing shrewdly and using her defence to launch devastating attacks. Her bronze medal is thoroughly deserved. We hope she brings it along to club nights to show everyone – it’s a serious piece of bling!
Monday belonged to our epeeists with Joshua winning his pool and going out in the last 16 to the eventual winner and finishing 10th overall.
Annoyingly Thomas and Oscar drew each other in the direct elimination with that fight going to the last hit where Oscar won. Oscar would go on to put the frighteners on the number 2 seed before he eventually figured Oscar out.
Lily finished 15th in the u12 epee, taking out the 11th seed before losing to a girl who finished 6th.
A special mention to Jacob who fenced all three weapons in the u18 age group – very few get to do that at the GB Championships.
According to Neil, Shaun and Reka, this years standard of competition was particularly high. There was no padding here so every hit that was scored was hard earned and every victory an achievement in itself.
Neil wants to thank to Shaun and Reka for all your help and support over the three days. Also for all the coaching work from Alan and our younger coaches Elouise, Brandon, Jacob, Joshua and Cador. I’m so very proud and grateful for all your help.
