Fencers enjoy annual ‘picnic’

Headington fielded four fencers for the the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Annual Fencing Picnic.

The Picnic is a hotly contested competition, with fencers duelling for a very sought-after trophy in the fencing world. It is a pairs relay event – one Junior Fencer partners a Senior Fencer in a relay, first to 10 hits. Pairs are drawn on the day, usually separating club and school fencers so competitors have the chance to team up with people they don’t know. Fencers from across the three counties union take part. There are no knockout rounds in the competition which means it’s a long day of fencing.

From the Senior School, Tegen, Jackie and Isabel entered the contest while Charlotte represented the Junior School.

The scores were tight as four teams were in joint first place until the final round. As these teams played off, Tegen and her partner were one hit from overall victory. A dramatic turn of events however meant they lost the match which knocked them back to third place. Charlotte also fenced exceedingly well, taking home a well-deserved silver medal with her senior partner.

Fencing coach Mrs Jenny Douglas said: “Not only did they all fence well, winning a lot of their matches, but they were fantastic in support of their new fencing partners.