THE success of Tiverton Swords Fencing Club continued when two of its members won bronze medals at the Devon County Foil Champ-ionships – the only club to pick up medals in both the Women’s and Men’s competitions.

Kat Trow came third in the Women’s competition, while Jason Ball did likewise in the Men’s.

Trow’s performance throughout the day was simply stellar, blazing a trail all the way to the semi-final and only being defeated by 2014 British Under-17s champion and England internationalist Jade Clarke.

She is one of the club’s longest-standing members, having begun her fencing career there only a few months after the club was founded six years ago.

Ball’s form was every bit as impressive, making steady progress through a series of hard-fought encounters to his semi-final against the formidable Warren Shillingford.

He also received recognition as the best veteran (over-40) fencer.

His latest medals join a growing collection including the Buckland Abbey trophy and last year’s Devon County Sabre Championship – a title which he will defend on Sunday.

Strong performances from Alex Scott (9th), Elijah Gayton (13th), and Neil Eatough (15th) were not quite enough to overcome tough opposition, but all can be proud to be part of a very successful day’s fencing.

More than 40 fencers, from all parts of Devon and of ages ranging from ten to 65, travelled to Exeter’s Isca College for the competition – the best turnout for several years.

Of the three disciplines in modern fencing, foil is the one in which precision and timing play the greatest role.

Only hits to the torso are valid, and the referee must be satisfied the attack has not been parried if the point is to be awarded.

This focus on technique makes it the ideal starting point, and it is the discipline of choice for the beginners’ course which started at Moorhayes Community Centre on Wednesday 18.

Anyone is welcome, whatever their age or experience.

Visit www.tivertonswords.co.uk for club details, find them on Facebook, or to book a place on the beginners’ course call or text 07719-225965.