Gabriel started fencing from scratch with LSFC just two years ago and is very excited to have done so well at the Southern Regional qualifying championships last weekend. The Nationals will be held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield in May.

Gabriel’s step brother, Kamil, narrowly missed qualifying in the Under 14 sabre section after a trialling duel. Three of the LSFC epeeists also excelled, winning places through the first round. “We are delighted for Gabriel and very pleased with the whole team for their brilliant performance at the regional qualifiers. We have a lot of fencers who are new to such a big competition, they held their nerve and did themselves proud” shared Sarah Murray of LSFC.

Peter Lashmar of Lashmars Tax Accountants, sponsor of LSFC, added “Many congratulations to the team for a great performance, and in particular to Gabriel. We wish him the best of luck at the Nationals.”

Gabriel won the ‘Most Improved Beginner’ award at last year’s Lashmars Invitation Cup, a friendly event designed to encourage new and novice fencers. The 2015 Lashmars Invitation Cup will take place on 3rd May and will include fencers young and old.

On Sunday 27 April, Lymington and Sway Fencing Club (LSFC) hosted a the Lashmars Invitation Cup at Walhampton School, to launch their newly-merged fencing club.

Participants were invited from West Wight Fencing Club (WWFC) and from Espada to come and take part in the event, whose focus was on beginners and new fencers who had rarely competed, if at all.

There were 5 categories: under 13 mixed foil; under 14 mixed sabre; under 15 epee; under 16 mixed foil and under 18 sabre. With over 30 competitors taking part, it was a very busy day with some excellent fencing from some very new fencers. Congratulations to all competitors, in particular the winners in each category:

U13 Mixed Foil:

• Matthew Martin (Espada)

• Josh Biggs (Espada)

• William Harris (Espada) and Henry Sommerfield (WWFC)

U14 Mixed Sabre:

1. Paul Beaugendre (LSFC)
2. Gabriel Cowell (LSFC)
3. Lewis Barnes, Espada and Harry Eaves  (LSFC)

U16 Mixed Foil:

1. Kieran Fradgeley (WWFC)
2. George Collins (WWFC)
3. Tom Bryden (Espada) and Jude Manlow (Espada)

U15 Epee:

1. William Prendergast (LSFC)
2. Sam Kessel (LSFC)
3. Arnie Seal (LSFC) and Matthew Martyn (Espada)

U18 Sabre:

1. Hayden Eatwell (LSFC and Espada)
2. Sam Kessel (LSFC)
3. Harry Doll (LSFC) and Jack Smalley (LSFC)

Two cups were awarded to the members of LSFC for their contribution to and achievements in fencing. The Senior Cup was awarded to Sam Kessel who won silver in both Sabre and Epee at the competition and had overall the best marks for the day’s fencing and the Junior Cup was award to Gabriel Cowell for the most improved young fencer in the club this year. Both cups were presented by club sponsor Peter Lashmar of Lashmars Tax Accountants. The club is also supported by The Musketeer Pub in Pennington with a generous donation of kit in the form of baselayers worn under the protective suits.

LSFC meets every Tuesday at Priestlands school gym between 6.30-8pm, everyone welcome. For more information contact Sarah@sabre.pro

A full match report will follow soon.