Local fencers excel at Highland Open in Elgin as Scottish international Callum Sutherland wins gold medal
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THE most northerly nationally-ranked fencing competition took place in Elgin in September – with locals fencers excelling.
A total of 18 members of Elgin Duellist Fencing Club – aged from 13 to 71 – took part in the Highland Open, which took place at Elgin High School across the weekend of September 23 and 24.
The pinnacle of success was Scottish international Callum Sutherland (25) who staged a nail-biting comeback in the final to win the Men’s Epee gold medal against Tobias Berry (Knightsbridge Fencing Club).
In third place was last year’s winner, ex-Olympian and fellow north section fencer, Hugh Kernohan (Culloden Fencing Club).
“Callum won the gold in the Men’s Epee in 2019 and we are so proud of his repeat victory," said Robin Paterson, head coach of Elgin Duellist Fencing Club.
"The local electrician is home-grown talent having joined Elgin Duellist Fencing Club at the age of 10. Over the years, he has grown as a fencer, winning the Scottish Schools Under 16 Boys’ Epee title in 2013-14.
"He then competed at the highest level in the UK to come third in the Elite Epee in Newcastle in 2019 and being selected to represent Scotland in the winning Men’s Epee Team at the Home International held in Dublin in the same year.
"He is truly an inspiration for our young duellists."
In total, 112 fencers from 25 clubs took part in the Highland Open. Competitors travelled to the event from as far afield as Shetland and London to compete in the men’s and women’s foil, epee and sabre categories.
Elgin Duellist's results improved on last year. Most notably, in the Men’s Foil category, Club Junior Champion Edwin Naughton (15) improved on his 35th position from last year to secure 12th place, Reuben Stewart (14), from Hopeman, improved on his 42nd place to come 28th.
Fellow Elgin Academy pupil Andrew Paterson (14) improved on his 32nd place to come 24th.
Also competing in the Men’s Foil category were Casper Hawkins (13th), Keith's Jake Grant (30th) and Keir Forsyth (37th), Duffus' Luca Fowles (38th) and Elgin's Jushua Toonen (40th).
In the Men’s Epee category, Buckie High School pupil Cameron Hay, improved on his 38th position to secure a 23rd place this year.
The youngest Elgin Duellist competitor, Forres Academy pupil Owen Lewis (13) secured 35th place and Buckie High School pupil Levi Lawson (14) came in 40th in their first Open competitions.
In the Men’s Sabre, Elgin's Jadon Rongong (17) proved that all his hard work at the club was worth it by improving on his 27th place last year by securing 17th place.
Also in this category, the club's oldest Elgin Duellist, Michael Hawkins (71), from Forres, was delighted on improving on his 27th place to come in 19th.
In the Women’s Foil category, Hopeman's Fleur Stewart (40) won her last 32 direct elimination match to be knocked out at the last 16 stage by the eventual winner.
Lucinda Naughton (18), who fences at Elgin Duellist Fencing but was competing for Liverpool Fencing Club got through to the last eight direct elimination stage and came sixth.
Robin Paterson added: "For many of our members, this may be the only time that they have an opportunity to compete against some of the top-ranking fencers in Scotland and throughout the UK.
"With the nearest fencing tournaments usually held in the central belt of Scotland, we were delighted that so many Elgin Duellist members took the brave decision to enter this year’s tournament.
"Throughout the two days of the competition, the standard of fencing was very high with memorable finals. We look forward to building on this year’s Highland Open success and welcoming everyone back to Elgin next year."
For full results and more information, visit www.britishfencing.com/the-highland-open
