18/05/11……Thame Fencer rounds off season at British Championships

ARRAN Strutt (14) of Thame Duellists Fencing Club, rounded off his first competitive season with an appearance at the British Youth Championships in Sheffield last weekend, having qualified with a fifth place finish in the Southern Region qualifying event for the under-14 age group.

The Competition, held at the prestigious English Institute of Sport venue in Sheffield, was a learning experience for Arran in what was only his third competitive outing outside of club matches, and a ‘first’ at national level.

Arran had a difficult seeding round and showed strength of character to pick up two wins from his final three fights having been beaten in his first three. But two wins from six bouts meant a tough draw going into the knockout phase of the competition and he was knocked out by Wilson of London 15-8, leaving Arran with a final result of 48th overall. But the fight was closer than the scoreline suggests and it leaves Arran with a clear understanding of what he has to do to improve at this level, as well as the knowledge that a better result next year is within his grasp.

Club Chair, James Kingston, said: ?The thing that impressed me was that Arran?s fencing improved over the course of the day. A first appearance at National level is all about learning what it takes to succeed against more demanding opposition ? many of whom will have years of experience at this level – and he certainly did that. Making it into the top fifty in the country at your first attempt is good going.?

The result whets the club?s appetite for next season, when Arran will be joined by team mates including Bucks, Berks & Oxon bronze medallist Daniel Kovacs and others, in the quest to improve on this season?s results.

Thame Duellists Fencing Club welcomes new members, both adults and juniors. Anyone interested should call Club Chairman James Kingston on 07947 049511.