Sidmouth and East Devon fencers had a rewarding time at the recent Glastonbury competition. With categories from U9 to veteran it was a popular event attracting fencers from across Southern England.

Sidmouth and East Devon fencers had a rewarding time at the recent Glastonbury competition. With categories from U9 to veteran it was a popular event attracting fencers from across Southern England.Father and son duo Nigel and Finn Manning made it a family affair, both competing for the first time. Nigel fenced well, coming up against tough opposition in the adult open foil, whilst Finn achieved a superb first time result of bronze in the U9 Boys, maintaining his good technique and stamina throughout a long day of fencing.Rosie Dale also made her competitive debut in the U13 Girls, and, although somewhat overawed to begin with, gained confidence fencing in the quarter-final with great determination and accuracy, narrowly losing 7-10 to the number 4 seed, she was awarded a medal for fifth place.Star of the day was Rohan Knowles. Fencing in the U11 Boys' foil, his competitive experience, excellent footwork and technique were clearly evident. He was unfortunate in the semi-finals where, despite defending well, he was unable to land his ripostes on his opponent's frequently obscured target. Rohan achieved a bronze, but was frustrated to miss out on the final, as he has beaten the eventual winner on previous occasions.Simon Ames, U13 Boys, achieved a sixth place medal after a very close defeat in the quarter-final. He took the number three seed to a 10-10 tie, finally bowing out to his opponent in extra time.Mother and daughter Angela and Isla Findlay competed against very strong fields in the mixed adult foil and epee events. Sixteen-year-old Isla achieved a very respectable 15th in the epee, and Angela came 14th in the foil.