N.Z. youth fencing

Press, 28 December 1987, Page 14

N.Z. youth fencing

The 1987 New Zealand youth fencing squad to travel to Australia in early January has been named by the national selector, Mr Merv Sharfe, of Auckland. Five of the seven male representatives are from Canterbury and three of the four women are from Wellington. Both provinces are continuing their traditional strengths in these areas.

The left-handed foil specialist, Benoit Upton, aged 19, heads the otherwise youthful line-up — the other Canterbury boys are aged 16 — which includes Andrew Kell, of Burnside High School. Kell was ranked number one in the province in sabre at the end of the school year.

Mr Vik Manuge is training the Canterbury squad. He is one of the few recognised fencing coaches in the South island.

Mr Manuge rates the chances of success for Upton and Kell highly saying “Andrew’s reaction speed must be one of the fastest in the province at the moment. It has got to the stage where I can’t keep up with him. Benoit’s natural fencing tempo is slower but he will probably be the fittest person in the squad at present.” The team leaves for the 10-day training camp near Sydney on January 5. After the camp they will compete in the Australian under-20 championships followed by the Australia

Day open championships.

The team returns on January 26 in time for the beginning of the New Zealand season. The team is: Men’s foil: AlisterSharfe (Auckland), William Ponder (Wellington), Benoit Upton (Canterbury), Andrew Kell (Canterbury), Richard Bowles (Canterbury). Men’s epee: Andrew Robb (Canterbury), Kell, Sharfe. Women’s foil: Waimaria Erueti (Wellington), Mynetta Erueti (Wellington), Alicia Ponder (Wellington).

Women’s epee: Jacqueline Emerre (Canterbury), W. Erueti, M. Erueti, Ponder. Manager: Jenny Williams (Dunedin).