14/12/10……….Young Fencers battle to fifth place (Contributed)

A YOUNG team for Thame Duellists Fencing Club fought off older and more experienced opposition to take fifth place in the Bucks, Berks & Oxfordshire team foil rally fencing event at Langley last Sunday (05/12).

The team of Daniel Kovacs (12), Arran Strutt (13) and Ismail Anwar (11) entered the mixed age group event having only limited competitive experience, with Daniel and Ismail having only fenced in competition once before and Arran having experience of club matches but new to competition fencing.

Ismail, who normally fences at the Salle Eton club, stepped in to the team at the last minute to fill in for another Thame fencer missing through illness. The unexpected change in line-up didn?t appear to hold them back as they won their first three matches of the event relatively comfortably, but the matches only got harder as the day went on and they lost their final match against a skilful and experienced Newbury team which ended up taking second place.

But Thame?s performance had done enough to secure them a creditable fifth in a crowded field of nineteen teams ? tantalisingly close to the medals.
Team coach James Kingston said: ?I was really impressed with how they fenced. They applied themselves and showed good technique. They made the opposition work for every hit even when they were up against it and only went down 3-5 in the final match.?

The result is a boost for the club which is working hard to develop its junior fencers? competition performance this season.

Thame Duellists Fencing Club welcomes new members, both adults and juniors. Anyone interested should call Club Chairman James Kingston on 07947 049511.

NOTE: Thame Duellists fencing club meets on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in term time at Thame Leisure Centre.