Local fencers return from Plymouth with a number of medals

PUBLISHED: 11:04 21 November 2018

Sidmouth and East Devon Fencing Club members Alannah Sawyer (left) and Alex Moore (right) in action. Picture CONTRIBUTED

Archant

Sidmouth & East Devon Fencing Club (SEDFC) sent a number of youngsters to Plymouth to compete at the Buckland Cup, a handicap junior foil meeting, and a number of medals were brought home, writes Nigel Manning.

Sidmouth and East Devon Fencing Club member Ollie Manning. Picture CONTRIBUTED

In the Under-13 section, Toby Moore gained a silver and Donnie Cass won bronze while, in the Under-10 section, Alex Moore won bronze.

Also fencing were Alannah Sawyer (joint best girl) and Isaac Copley. All the fencers displayed the technical skill which is the hallmark of the Sidmouth and East Devon Fencing Club, as well as outstanding determination and sportsmanship.

Providing an excellent example and role model for our young fencers is Grace Williams, who this year won the South West Women’s Foil Championship, and recently came fifth at the prestigious Cardiff Open, only being knocked out in the last stages by a former Olympic fencer. Sabre fencing is also thriving at Sidmouth, with 16-year-old Ollie Manning coming fourth in the South West Men’s Sabre Championship, and fencing coach Angela Findlay recently returning from Italy, having represented Great Britain in the World Veteran Sabre Championship.

The club has been sad to see some of our best young fencers leaving for university, where many of them are already fencing for their university teams.

Sidmouth and East Devon Fencing Club member Grace Williams in action. Picture CONTRIBUTED

We are looking forward to catching up with their achievements when they return this Christmas.

There is a warm welcome at the club for beginners and experienced fencers alike, of all ages from eight to 80 and beyond. Anyone interested in fencing should contact Sidmouth Sport Centre for more information.