Fencing Excellence & RGS Gala Showcase
As we draw towards the end of a busy term, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the accomplishments of our fencers over the course of recent weeks.
The RGS Worcester Fencing Club has had a very strong start to the academic year with over 30 pupils fencing each week.
Issy Pottinger and Zara Martin-Green continue to lead the charge on the national circuit. Both showcased their prowess in the Cadet (Under 17) Fencing Championships in September with commendable performances. Zara further demonstrated her resilience by participating in the Junior (Under 20) event on the following Sunday, despite withdrawing due to an injury. Her dedication extended to international competition, where she fenced with the British Cadet team in Budapest over the weekend of 16-17 October.
Despite each having to deal with injuries during the term, Zara and Issy Pottinger have made valuable contributions as Fencing Referees when unable to compete. Both have achieved Level 2 Referee qualifications, enabling them to officiate in competitions up to National level. Their officiating prowess was evident on Sunday 12 November at the Warwick Age Group Epee competition. Zara has gone a step further, obtaining a Level One Fencing Coaching qualification.
In October, Year Seven pupil, Emily de Bono demonstrated her Fencing skills in the Elite Epee Junior Series event, finishing 10th in an international field. Emily continued her success in the next event on 4 November, securing a 7th place finish. Currently ranked 11th overall after participating in only two of the six events, Emily shows promising potential at Junior level.
Several RGS fencers participated in the Warwick Age Group Epee, with notable achievements including Matthew Fallows securing 9th place in the Under 19 Mixed event and Emily de Bono finishing 12th overall in the Under 12 Mixed event. Zara and Issy resumed their Referee roles at the Cocks Moors Wood Epee competition on Sunday 19 November, with Matthew Fallows joining them and attaining his Level 2 Referee qualification.
On Monday 27 November, RGS engaged in a friendly tournament at King’s School, marking the return of a fixture absent since the Covid years. The Senior team showcased exceptional skills, securing a comeback win of 45/43. The Junior teams demonstrated commendable efforts, resulting in a 2-2 outcome. All fencers deserve congratulations for their outstanding efforts and sportsmanship, representing RGS admirably.
In another National competition on Saturday 2 December, Issy Pottinger elevated her Cadet ranking to 40th.
One of the highlights of the Fencing Calendar is the RGS Worcester Fencing Gala which was held last Sunday. The event has grown over the years and there were 101 fencers from 12 different schools and clubs, divided into 38 teams, fencing across 65 matches in 7 categories over 18 pistes and taking 7 hours. The Gala has become so successful that, for the first time, it required the use of both RGS Sports halls, with Mr Chapman overseeing proceedings in Tom Savage Hall and Mr Jones managing the four additional pistes in Cobham Hall.
Numerous RGS fencers, alumni, and coaches contributed to the success of the Gala as Referees. While the Gala maintains its friendly atmosphere, there were noteworthy achievements: Kenilworth Fencing Club Yellow Team claimed the Under 12 Foil trophy, and a joint RGS/Evesham team secured the Senior Epee trophy. The positive feedback received from parents and competitors demonstrated the success of the event, making it an excellent conclusion to the Fencing term.
Dr Philip Ehlers, Head of Fencing
