Silver Medal Success For Wimbledon Fencer

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Runner-up spot for Rachel Carter in Aldershot

Rachel Carter from Wimbledon Fencing Club competed in the Aldershot open women's épée at the Army School of Physical Training in Aldershot on February 27.

After a poule unique to determine seeding for the event Rachel was in fifth place after only losing three of her eleven bouts which meant she got a bye to the last eight. 

Her first direct elimination match was against Mariette Mason from Colchester and District Fencing Club which she won comfortably to get into the semi final against Verity Hillier from Reading who's ranked 32nd in Britain.

Verity took an early lead but Rachel kept coming back with well timed attacks drawing level only for Verity to take the lead again. At the break Hillier was in the lead 13-11 and Rachel soon found herself 14-12 down when the bout resumed. In a match to 15 points she had to take control of the fight and launched a vigorous attack pushing Verity back to the end of the piste and scoring a superb hit closing the gap to one point.

In what looked like a repeat of the last attack Rachel scored again drawing level at 14-14. Rachel kept moving trying to draw Verity into making a mistake leaving an opening she could exploit, Rachel kept the pressure up and finally found an opportunity and got through Verity's defence to score the winning point earning her a place in the final against 50th ranked Sarah Spice from Crawley.

Unfortunately for Rachel, Sarah was able to take an early lead which became unassailable when the second period started and so she had to be content with silver. This was a good day for Rachel and earned her more national ranking points which should take her up into the early sixties when the March positions are published.

If you are interested in learning the sport of fencing Wimbledon run beginners classes in foil the next one is due to start in the autumn. Go to http://www.wimbledonfencingclub.org.uk/ for details.

March 4, 2016