This weekend at the Nationals at RAF Cosford there were 29 HFC fencers in the men's & women's individual competition.  A fantastic turnout from the fencers, coaches Alex & Steve gave warm up lessons and friends and family all joined in to support the fencers.

In the women's epee Jo Beadsworth came 3rd, with Camila Jimenez, Lea-Anne Lee & Juliet Perry all achieving L16s.  James Thornton was 3rd after being beaten by the new Nationals men's epee champion Alistair Gerrard.  Chris Kelly & Nick Perry finished in the L16.

On Sunday HFC were joined by our Italian members, Alessandro, Guido & Samuele, together with Mike O'Brien, Mark Dembitz and Karolis Petroukas who travelled up for the team event.  The men's & women's team events were extremely tough with strong opposition from teams from all over the country. 

HFC had three women's teams, whose matches were very closely fought.  It was not to be this year, and the women's A team came a very respectable 3rd place after being narrowly beaten by Salle Ecosse who were the eventual winners.

HFC's men's B, C, & D teams all went through the first round. HFC's A team had a bye for the first round and after getting up for the early check-in then had to wait 4 hours before fencing.  Totally rested and full of tea & crisps they got to fence their first fight which was unfortunately against their own club members - HFC C team which they beat.  The B & D teams also fell at the first DE stage - the final positions not reflecting the closeness of the matches. 

The A team had to continue on their own. Cardiff were their semi final fight and HFC after a shaky start found their form to beat Cardiff only to have to fence the previous years finalists Sussex House.  The final was superbly fought, and neither side would give each other any hope of easing ahead.  With both sides keeping the pressure on, as a spectator it was nail-biting stuff. Nick kept his cool against his tough opponent Tristan and eventually won 45-43 with seconds to spare.  Phew!  Five times champions - a brilliant record.

Congratulations, thanks and well done to everyone who fenced this weekend in both the individuals and teams.

Men's 

Haverstock Team Leon Paul A - Greg, Nick, Chris & James

Haverstock Team Leon Paul B - Mark, Mike, Karolis, Simon

Haverstock Team Leon Paul C - Hugo Toby, James, Peter

Haverstock Team Leon Paul D- Alessandro, Guido & Samuele

Women's

Haverstock Team Leon Paul A - Jo, Lea-Anne, Camila, Katie

Haverstock Team Leon Paul B - Juliet, Harriet, Bronagh

Haverstock Team Leon Paul C - Laura, Sally, Lindsey