Medal success for Elgin Duellist Fencing Club at Scottish Schools Fencing Championships
Two members of Elgin Duellist Fencing Club have battled their way to a podium place on the national stage.
Forres Academy third year pupil Owen Lewis (14) and fellow Elgin club member Edwin Naughton (15), who attends Cults Academy, competed at the Scottish Schools Fencing Championships.
Lewis put in a fine display over two days to take bronze medals in both the under-15 boys’ sabre and foil competition at Edinburgh’s George Watson’s College.
He also lost out 12-9 in the final of the epee competition, having to settle for silver and his third medal of the event.
His performance was enough to earn the coveted Master of Arms trophy for his age group.
“I have recently been sparring at Elgin Duellist Fencing Club in all three weapons and I was delighted that my efforts had paid off by winning the Master of Arms trophy,” he said.
“Last month I was disappointed with my performance at the British Youth Championships held in Sheffield but this makes up for that disappointment and, on reflection, I can see that learning from your losses is just part of the journey for all dedicated competitive fencers.”
Club coach Callum Sutherland said on Owen’s performance: “For the Scottish Pathways Training Programme fencer, winning silver in his preferred weapon of epee wasn’t really too unexpected since Owen had won the gold medal in the Boys Epee at the Youth Development Series earlier this year.
“But to medal in all three weapons is really a remarkable achievement.”
Naughton became the winner of the under-16 boys’ epee, after an initially mixed performance in the earlier rounds.
“To begin with I was a few hits down in the final but I was able to adapt well to the style of my opponent and I eventually came out on top, 15-12,” he said I was both relieved and very pleased with the result.”
The club’s head coach, Robin Paterson added: “For our Elgin Duellist Junior Club champion, Edwin is gaining experience and growing in strength with each competition he enters.
“Once again, Edwin’s triumph was not entirely unexpected since at the British Youth Championships held last month, he secured the second best result of any Scottish fencer in the under-16 boys epee category.
“As with Owen, I’m sure Edwin will continue with his winning streak.”
“For both Callum and myself, Owen’s and Edwin’s victories are particularly nostalgic. In 1987, when I was a 17-year-old pupil at Elgin Academy, I won the under-18 boys epee title and a little bit closer in time in 2013, when Callum was 15, also a pupil at Elgin Academy, he won the under-16 boys’ Master of Arms trophy.
“Let’s hope this tradition continues for another generation of Elgin Duellist fencers.”
Elgin Duellist Fencing Club meets on a Thursday night at 6.30pm at Elgin High School. For further information, call Robin Paterson on 01343 541302 or email: robin1andlinda1@yahoo.com.