Four Sullivan fencers travelled north last Saturday 17th Nov to the Ulster University Magee Campus in Londonderry to compete in the 2018 Derry Open Fencing Tournament, the first N Ireland senior event of the new 2018/19 fencing season.
This was a first experience of competition at senior level for the 4 fencers: Izzy Evans, Victoria Morris, Alexander Penny and Ruzi Statham. All 4 are regulars in junior fencing competition, but participating in an open event was going to be a significant step-up for them.
Alexander finished 12th in a tough men’s foil event, which was won by the current Irish National Champion (and Sullivan Assistant Coach), Stephen Brown. Izzy made7th in the women’s foil, while Victoria and Ruzi both won their quarter-final fights to go through to the semis. Both lost these fights, but put up strong performances against more experienced fencers to take their bronze medals in joint 3rd place.
Izzy, Victoria & Ruzi Alexander
Well done all 4 SU fencers in their first senior event. Next up: Round 2 of the NI Junior Foil Series on 9th Dec at RBAI in Belfast.
Victoria and Ruzi with joint 3rd place trophies