The Open is N Ireland’s premier and largest fencing competition of the year and was held on the last weekend of January in the Templemore Sports Complex in Londonderry. Eight Sullivan fencers took part, 7 of the 8 consisting of juniors still competing at U16 level but now either starting or continuing their transition into senior (adult) competition.
First up were Alexandra Ong and Cassidy Ogle representing Sullivan in the women’s foil on the Saturday. Alexandra just failed to make the last 8, finishing 9th, while Cassidy went through to win a place in the semis. She then lost to the eventual gold medallist to finish 3rd and a win bronze medal, a notable achievement for a 14 year old in a senior event.
The men’s foil on the Sunday had 6 SU fencers entered: Myles Wilkinson, Noah Currie, Lennox Brown, Theo Beggs, Rohan Nair and Harry McNeice. Myles was the highest finisher at 18th, with Noah next at 21st, while Theo, Lennox, Rohan and Harry, all in their first senior competition, in positions 25 to 28.
This was a good turn-out of SU fencers in a tough senior competition, giving all 8 valuable experience at the higher level.
The next event for SUFC fencers will be for U12s, U14s and U16s at Round 4 of the NI Junior Foil Series on 4th February in the SU Sports Hall.
David White
SUFC Coach
31 Jan 2024
