Drosso among the medallists as young fencers shine

Shetland Fencing Club had a very successful weekend in the Glasgow Senior Open competition at the weekend with Sophie Drosso picking up two medals.

The young Shetland team, made up of six school age and four seniors, were up against fencers from senior club and university teams.

Competing were Mathew Blance, 15, Oliver Russell, 14, Stephen Leask, 17, Lucy Morris, 13, Abi Marples, 14, and Mhairi Gifford, 16, along with seniors Erik Moncrieff, Kate Manson, Sophie Drosso and Paul Hibbert.

The outstanding performance of the weekend came from Drosso, who won a silver medal in the ladies épée on Saturday and a bronze in the foil on Sunday.

Drosso, who only competes in the épée as a “second weapon”, overcame Scottish team members in close fights to gain a place in the final against specialist Elena Rainero from Italy. Drosso was to meet her match and took the silver.

In the ladies’ foil Drosso again had to come through very close fights against English fencers before coming up against a strong Scottish team opponent and this time she came away with the bronze.

Shetland managed to get three fencers into the last eight of the ladies’ épée event, Kate Manson making a comeback after a long lay-off with only a handful of sessions back and Mhairi Gifford making up the other place.

Stephen Leask had an excellent morning in the men’s pool, winning all his seeding pool fights to be seeded eighth, only to get a tricky fight in the direct eliminations to go out earlier than he was hoping. However, this showed the progress all the young Shetland fencers are making in the senior ranks.

All the Shetland team competed well over both days including all the younger school age fencers. This was reflected in the excellent third place in the team cup, placing above the main Glasgow and Edinburgh clubs and university teams.