LONDON REGION SUMMER 2023 NOVICE AND INTERMEDIATE COMPETITION
After a somewhat fraught journey, the ‘boys’ eventually made it to the check-in with only minutes to spare. After a quick warm-up they were placed in poules made up of Dave and Kevin and twelve other men for the intermediate epee. Both men were self-appointed intermediate by way of their past fencing experience both in and out of competition, however, it became clear that this ‘grading’ clearly needs some more guidelines, with far superior fencers duelling in both the novice and intermediate sections, primarily based on a lack of fencing competition results, rather than ability. With the journey taking its toll on both Dave and Kevin, they fought the first round of poules tentatively and, probably not to the best of their abilities. However, in the second round of poules both men felt that they had warmed up and did themselves better justice. The elimination section proved to be both men’s undoing, however, both were elated that at no point did they finish a match without scoring and, in many cases, scoring well against their opponent, even if the win did not go their way. Overall, Dave finished in eleventh position, with Kevin in 14th and both men having gained vital experience against a field of men that they would not normally participate against. Well done guys and keep up the good work for Gravesham!
As an addendum, regular Gravesham guest fencer, Raphael, finished a very respectable 3rd place in the Men’s novice epee. Well done Raphael, now for the Junior Pentathlon Championships in Hungary!