TAUNTON Blades members joined young fencers from all over Europe for the famous annual age-group sabre tournament, at Kenten, near Cologne, Germany.

The event gives the various Under-14 groups, in particular, a rare chance to mix it with other nationalities.

Taunton's youngest fighters represented Great Britain well, starting with a cracking U-12 women's section.

Despite differing refereeing customs, Jasmine Evans made her customary good start, and eventually claimed fifth, while Ruby Boddington-Parker stormed to a very fine third, in her first international appearance.

The men's U-14s saw Mike McCleod reach 23rd, while Henry Walker was fifth, missing the semis by just two hits.

Sunday brought on the U-17s, with a huge 140-strong field in the men's category.

Here, Nat Lewis made a fine run to the last 16, bagging 15th after losing 13-15 to Germany's Nils Eifler, the eventual fifth finisher.

Henry Walker belied his U-14 status with a good 75th, which has no disgrace in this company, and Mike McCleod's 123rd did not accurately reflect his good performances.

Altogether a good trip for the Taunton club, with a wide age-range contributing to success.