Fencers finally foiled at Public Schools' Championship

Kai Sodahl and Tish Barrett represented St Bede’s at the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships, which took place at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in early March. This is the school’s second year of entry in this HMC schools only competition. With well over 1300 students attending, the PSFC is by far the largest fencing competition in the country, and is probably the largest youth fencing event in the whole of Europe.

Kai won four out of seven fights in the Boys’ Senior Foil competition and was quite spectacular at times, showing a great balance of speed, aggression and technical ability. To proceed beyond the poule-stages, he needed to beat a GBR ranked fencer. Although Kai managed to gain a 3-0 lead, he eventually lost 3-5, which was no disgrace, given that he has only been fencing since September 2007. Kai’s ranking of 60 out of 95 is a huge improvement on his ranking from last year (86/100). Kai will be able to compete next year as well, and his aim will be to make the knock-out stages – I am sure he will.

Tish Barrett was drawn in a very competitive poule of six in her first round. Her first ever competitive bout was a nervous affair and it was closely fought. At 4-4, her opponent’s experience was a deciding factor and she lost 4-5. Tish battled well in her other bouts and, as with Kai, faced a GBR ranked fencer (and eventual runner-up) but lost 2-5. For Tish, who only started fencing in September, this year’s event was all about gaining experience and the PSFC has definitely not seen the last of her.

Fencing is still in its infancy stages at St Bede’s, but it is growing in number. Doc Carroll and Ms Blok are qualified coaches and together run both Boys’ Fencing and Girls’ Fencing activities. This term we have had 15 students pick up this technically and physically demanding sport and we expect our numbers to grow.