By Rishikesh Mistry

The RGS fencers were in action at the British School’s Team Championship.  The school has a good track record of success at the competition, previously winning 5 national competitions. So, Mr Lau and the boys came into the weekend hoping for a good haul of medals.

And the teams did not disappoint. On the first day of the competition the U13 epee team comprised of Lucas Ngai, Valentine Wallin, and Harry Radforth.  Despite being seeded second last out of all the teams, the boys managed to keep their cool through the tableu, coming out on top by beating a strong Canterbury side 45-42, to bring home the first national title to the school.

The U18s also fenced in the epee (Xavi Wallin, Freddie Cheng, Zed Law and Boldi Paladi-Kovacs). They had a stronger performance in their poule compared to their younger counterparts meaning they were seeded a lot higher. In similar performance they managed to continue through the direct elimination, beating Skinners School in the quarter finals, the team that they lost to in the poule earlier. In the end, they lost the final by the narrowest margin, 1 point, 45-44, securing them a silver medal.

The success continued on the second day of the competition. The U13 foil team (the same members as the epee) managed to pile on the pressure from the beginning, with the team winning all of their poule matches. After a very convincing win in the quarter finals against Newton Prep. They were beaten to the main prize by a strong Sussex House team, that were backed by some enthusiastic coaching. This led to RGS gaining the third medal of the week in the form of the chestnut bronze.

The U18 foil (Xavi Wallin, Freddie Cheng, Zed Law and Rishikesh Mistry), were out to retain their title from a couple of years ago. Convincing victories and a bit of luck with the seeding led to the U18s having a bye to the semifinals. From there, the boys managed to easily deal with Whitgift who they had met previously in the poule. It all came done the biggest event of the whole day, The Men’s Foil Final. After a shaky start the boys managed to maintain their composure and brought home a second national championship title for the school.

Special mention must go to Harry Radforth, who has only been fencing for 6 months and is now a national champion which is an incredible feat.

Huge thanks go to Mr Lau and Mr Bengry for their time and invaluable support.