David Byrne
Staff Writer
Dublin University Fencing Club’s (DUFC) intermediate team ended 2013 top of the Leinster Epee Novice League.
The league was established in September, featuring six teams: DUFC, Pembroke, FenceFit, Maynooth, Griffith College, and Blessington. The fencers from each team have two years or less experience fencing, and so is an excellent platform providing fencers of similar levels competitive match experience. From September to December these 6 teams battled it out for a place in January’s final.
DUFC are unbeaten, having impressively won all five of their matches and were able to ring in the new year as league leaders. The team was made up of novices Camille Hindsgaul, Fionn O’Connor, and David Byrne. In addition, beginner Tim Porter fenced in the final league match, the victory which ensured DUFC’s top of the table position and place in January’s final against second place Pembroke.
DUFC should have the psychological advantage going into the final in January, having already defeated Pembroke earlier in the season. Confidence must not turn to complacency, however, as previous results have no bearing on the outcome of the final. It is bound to be a thrilling final, as both teams are made up of confident, promising and hard working fencers.
The Aldershot Open 2014 took place in England last weekend, the 9th and 10th of January. DU Fencing’ Club Captain Max Milner entered the competition, as did the Club Captain from 2011/2012, Ned Mitchell. The final was a thrilling affair with Max 5-0 down very early on, and the score progressed to 10-4 down. Then came a shocking and inspired run of 10 consecutive points to put Max 14-10 up. He won 15-11, after a truly remarkable come back. Ned Mitchell finished in 13th place (knocked out by the runner up).
This weekend, DU Fencing Club will be hosting the Professor Duffy Memorial Cup in Trinity College Sports Centre.