FENCING TITLES

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32715, 18 September 1971, Page 48

FENCING TITLES

Challenges by youth

If recent South Island I championships are any guide, the Canterbury fencing chamI pionships at Wigram this I week-end should be a confrontation between the larger group of young fencers and the older, more-experienced hands. A. Bunn, the defending foil title-holder, will need his best form to repulse the challenges of such youngsters as S. Clark and G. Garland. The New Zealand representative, K. Mann, has not entered for the epee; and this should lave the way clear for G. Harris to retain the title. V. Manuge will attempt to win the sabre title for a third time, and his greatest opposition should come from his University club-mate, A. McBride, who surprised by reaching the finals at the South Island championships. Garland, L. Donaggie, and Clark are other sabre entrants who could make matters difficult. Since the retirement of O. Jekyll, women’s fencing in Canterbury has lost much of its impetus. But plenty of interest is likely this week-end ! n the meetings between R. tlredgold, who recently arrived from England, S. Sandford, and E. Feltham, the defending women’s champion. Once again there is a group of young hopefuls who will ensure that the seniors have little respite. The group might be led by T. Flescher, D. Reiche, and S. Thirring, all of whom performed well at the secondary schools’ championship recently.