Sport

Forces Hopefuls Clash At Inter-Services Fencing Championships

Members of the forces fencing community have been going head-to-head at their inter-services tournament, with some targeting selection for the Olympic Games.

The dynamic, explosive sport is one of the world's oldest, with roots firmly entwined in military history.

Sometimes described as 'physical chess', it sees competitors take to the 'piste' - a 2 by 14 metre long strip which forms the playing area.

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Opponents look to score 'hits' or 'touches' on their rivals in bouts using a 'sabre', 'epee', or 'foil' - the three weapons of modern fencing.

The first fencer to score 15 hits wins the contest.

Army Major Jenny Wilson, a Wales international, is a veteran from the 2010 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, who now hopes to feature at the next event, in Australia in 2018. She explained just how physical the sport is:

"We've fenced four days this week and my right leg - which is my leading leg - is struggling... It is very physical."

"You get really tense and you hold your breath and then when you finish you're absolutely exhausted."

Drummer Hussain Sadiq capped his tournament debut with victory in the men's foil.

The Army reservist, who serves with the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) in London, has competed for Great Britain. Missing out narrowly on Olympic selection for 2012.

He is hoping he can force his way into the team for Tokyo 2020.

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Corporal James Huntley, meanwhile, is a member of the successful Royal Navy/Royal Marines team who picked up silverware at this year's championships.

He is keen to marry his job and sporting ambitions, as another former GB athlete.

He admits fencing can have a reputation as a somewhat elitist sport but hopes other members from the Royal Marines will get involved:

"If we can get away from the image that it's an officer's sport [that would be good]... It's not."

"Most of the people here who are doing well are junior ranks - corporals, leading hands, people like that"

The open nature if the competition is one of the appeals, with all three services tasting success this year. RAF Flight Lieutenant Norman Sonderskov said:

"It always gives you a little sense of optimism. It allows you to fence really quite competitively because you think 'I actually have a chance here. I'm going to see what I can come away with'."

The best from all three services will now look to feature for the UK Armed Forces team at next year's prestigious Winton Cup.