Three fencers from Great Yarmouth and Waveney Fencing Club took part in the Norfolk County Junior Foil Championships in Loddon.

This was Aiden Greysmark’s and Ethan Stretton’s first time in a competition. It was also be Robert Johnson’s last time in this competition as next year he will be too old.

Robert, in the U18s, had a relatively successful time. He won all but one of his matches, ranking him in second place.

Ethan, in the U12s, scored his first point in his first match and won his second 5–1. Overall he was ranked second in his age group.

Aiden, in the U16s, during his poule round scored numerous points, but was unlucky when his hits were just short of registering. He was ranked ninth.

In the direct elimination rounds Ethan was in the semi-finals against Daniel from Esquive Fencing Club. Ethan was defeated by his more experienced opponent, with a score of 6–10. Ethan gained third place and a bronze medal.

The club coaches are extremely proud of Ethan and his accomplishment especially as he has been fencing for only three months.

Next to fence was Aiden in the 8th/9th place direct elimination match for his age group. Aiden’s opponent gained an early 4-1 lead in the first bout. During the minute break Aiden took on board coaching advice and evened the score to 8–8 at the end of the third bout.

During the extra minute Aiden was unable to score the hit required so his opponent won by default, leaving Aiden with ninth place.

Robert’s first match was a semi-final against Matt. Robert took an early 4-1 lead. The second bout allowed Robert to extend his lead to 14–4. The third and final bout was over quickly when Robert double lunged down the length of the piste, forcing Matt to leave the end of the piste, forfeiting a point and giving Robert the victory.

Robert went into the final against Luke Harrison, his long-term adversary.

Only one point was scored, by Luke, after the first three minutes. In the second round Robert attempted to take the lead after equalising 1–1, but Luke had found away to penetrate his defences and gain a lead of 12–1.

In the third bout Robert began countering Luke’s attacks but it was too late for him to win, the final score being 15–5 to Luke. Robert was second for a silver medal.

The club is extremely proud of Ethan, Aiden and Robert and wishes them success for the future.

If you would like to give fencing a go, Great Yarmouth and Waveney Fencing Club welcomes anyone over the age of 10 and runs regular beginners’ courses throughout the year.

The club fences every Thursday from 7.30pm at Potter’s Leisure Resort, Hopton and its current members span a wide area, from Acle to Beccles.

For more information about the club visit www.gywfc.co.uk or contact Robert Johnson by emailing rj.gywfc@gmail.com or by calling 01493 602240.