Silver finish for fencing
The women's fencing team headed to the BUSA indoor finals attempting to recapture a title they have not held for four years.
A cruel semi-final draw pitched them against the Cambridge team for the fourth time this year. The Tabs undoubtedly held the psychological advantage after their confident performance to take the Varsity Match. This however didn't make a difference as the less experienced Oxford side took a 'nothing to lose' attitude into the match and stormed into the final with victories in all three disciplines.
In the final they faced a small but accomplished set of fencers from Northumbria. Their two epeeists are both members of the Scottish Commonwealth team and presented the greatest challenge. They proved too strong and the only individual victory came from Libby Payne who defeated SJ Stewart 7-5 to claw back two hits towards the end of the match in a repeat of the BUSA individuals final. Oxford lost the Epee 45-29 but came back to win the Sabre 45-42.
Oxford needed to win the foil match 45-32 to take the title, a tall order against a very determined Jen Neil-MacLachlan, Northumbria Sports Federation President. Despite excellent performances from Roz Hull and Hudson, supported by Kay, it was not to be and the Northerners came through to leave Oxford with the silver.
A small personal consolation came to Roz Hull who deservedly received the Player of the Final Award from BUSA.
29th Apr 2004