England Youth Championships Fencing
Three fencers took part in the England Youth Championships at Hatfield Sports Village.
Each of Headington’s three fencers taking part was fencing one of the weapon disciplines. Miuccia (Year 8) fenced Sabre, Hattie (Year 9) fenced Epée and Bridgitte (Year 8), Foil.
For all three, this was the first time they had fenced in competition as U15s (they are all I believe still 13) and thus using adult size 5 weapons.
For Bridgitte, this was also the first competition she has fenced, aside from at the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships.
The EYCs is a national event the top fencers in England taking part as it is a “ranking event” for Cadet and U14 European Satellite events.
This was a big step up for all three fencers but Bridgitte in particular – as the other two have previously qualified for and taken part in British Youth Championships.
Bridgitte fenced exceptionally well in her first poule – where she was the only non-GB fencer.
She gave several of the GB fencers a fright and winning fights. She went on to win her direct elimination fight with a very convincing 15- 6 score line.
She then had the misfortune to meet the number 4 seed early in the contest, eventually finishing a very creditable 29th overall at her first attempt.
Miuccia faced rather more of a tall order – quite literally – in the U15 Girls’ Sabre.
She was quite simply out-reached by all of her opponents. Despite this, Miuccia showed persistence and achieved some nice hits and staged a bit of a comeback against the ninth seed in her direct elimination – but it was all a bit late.
Hattie fenced in the U15 Girls Epée on Sunday morning and started well – despite having to switch poule at the last minute due to organisational glitch.
She only dropped one fight in opening round and beat one of the much-fancied Millfield epeeists comfortably.
Hattie went into the direct eliminations as ninth seed.
To get into the top 16 Hattie won a tough direct elimination fencing very tactically, coming from behind to dominate the second half of fight.
However, in the top 16 she inevitably met the eighth seed. This was yet another very experienced GB fencer and Hattie had to settle for a very respectable 10 place overall.
