The Norwich School fencing team travelled to Crystal Palace this week for the British Public Schools National Fencing Championships. Tuesday saw the girls' senior and junior foils events and all of our competitors got through both poule stages to reach the direct elimination rounds. In the seniors, Katy Harabajriu (U6E) started slowly after a break from competitive fencing but still managed to finish 21st. In the juniors, Lakshana Puvanachandra (U5C) finished 23rd and Natalia Rowe (M5C), who had been undefeated in the first poule round, got through to the second direct elimination round and finished an excellent 10th in the country.

On Tuesday it was the turn of the mount-haes boys (aged 12-14) where there were 106 competitors and both our team members got through two tough poule stages to reach the direct elimination rounds. Thomas Thornton (U4N) placed 48th after a tough draw in the first elimination round. Sonny Cooper (U4S), undefeated in the first poules round, staged an impressive comeback in his first elimination match, having worked out his opponents weaknesses, and placed 20th overall in a very competitive field. This is a particularly impressive achievement as both boys will still be eligible for the same age category next year. Well done to everyone involved and thank you to the drivers who put in very long days to get us there and back.

Anyone interested in taking part in fencing in the future, beginner or otherwise, should get in contact with Dr Treavett.