Three Counties League at home to Bedford.

In a nutshell, we won – but only by the depth of rust on our blades from the Christmas break. It could very easily have gone against us.

We won the Epee 6:3 with David W thankfully not dropping a bout. His last bout was, as it turned out, crucial and very close- 5:4. Philip and David R helped out, but could have done better as both lost one bout 4:5. At least Philip could blame it on the cakes (you had to be there!). Amazingly, 5 out of the 9 bouts were won/lost at 5:4.

As if that was not enough, foil was the real nailbiter contest. As is becoming the norm these days, we entered the final bout 4:4. It fell to Terry to carry the mantle to the final bout once the epee had finished. We had expected Dan to change to foil, but having just had the last epee bout with David, they decided that Emmanuel should take his place. Terry took the lead, then lost it, then regained it, then lost it. Well, you know the score. Oh you don’t yet, do you? It went to 4:4 (“as is becoming the norm”). The last point was won by Bedford. I think Terry tried to counter attack, with which he usually succeeds - but not this time. So Bedford won the foil 5:4.

Although our winning margin was only one fight across both weapons, it would have taken Bedford only two extra hits to turn the tables in their favour. Hence the second sentence above.

One doesn’t get much closer than that!

The next match is away to Milton Keynes on 20th January, ie NEXT WEEK! Philip has offered to drive, so if you are up to it please email him- treasurer(AT)sa-fc.org.uk