MORE than 100 fencers came from across the south of England, from Cornwall to London, to fence in the largest Wellington Open ever held.

The 14th and 15th of May saw Wellington Swords host the competition in the Princess Royal Sports Centre, and the club’s international coach Keni Yamamoto was impressed to see such a large and varied group of club fencers competing in epee, foil and sabre.

Wellington Swords’ fencers continued their run of success, resulting in newly-crowned South West champion Oli Strath winning the men’s epee, and Chard’s Fergus McKendry taking third place and best cadet title - an impressive performance.

Nik Hill’s commendable effort in the ‘Master at Arms’ challenge saw him attempting all three weapons over the two days, an impressive feat.

The same weekend saw Seb Lee competing at the Hampshire Open, coming in the last eight, before returning to compete in the foil and epee the next day.

Club secretary and competitive fencer Kathryn Mascall managed to fence in the women’s epee and be a key organiser in the event.

l Wellington Swords holds fencing on Monday and Thursday nights, and runs beginners’ courses regularly for those taking up or returning to the sport.

For those interested, there is also an exciting chance to try it out in Wellington Park at noon on June 1.

For information on beginners’ courses, please contact wellingtonswords@gmail.com.

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E-mail Kerry.miller@nqsw.co.uk with any stories, pictures or reports on any subject from darts to motor racing.