Abingdonian 2017

55 www.abingdon.org.uk Summer Term to the more aggressive style of Robert MacLennan, competing with a knee injury, proved there were different routes to bronze medals. Jonathan Law’s lightning footwork secured him a silver medal in the U18 Sabre, while Nöe Larousse’s superb parries and timing earned him a bronze medal in the U16 Epée, complimented by a cheeky silver medal in the U16 Foil category. Yet Harry Baston-Hall was to go one step further, dominating the U16 Epée final to win the gold medal. Through the Regionals, these individuals, as well as Mike MacLennan and Jake de Jongh, progressed to the British Youth Championships held in Sheffield. Overall the Abingdon fencers performed well amongst the country’s best, with both Noë and Harry reaching the last 16. Robert MacLennan, having overcome his injury, fenced out of his skin to reach the final of the U18 Epée after five knockout rounds, where he defeated his opponent 15-12 to claim the gold medal and the title of U18 National Champion. Furthermore, the independence and proactiveness of the Club’s fencers has been demonstrated through striving for individual success further afield, with many of the Club’s athletes competing regularly on the national circuit. Some of the Club’s younger fencers in particular have shone in their endeavours, earning respect from some of Britain’s finest fencers and coaches for both themselves as individuals and the Abingdon School Fencing Club. Last July, our left-handed dark horse - 14 year-old Harry Baston Hall - swooped into the U17 Nationals, snatching a phenomenal bronze medal. Other successes include a gold medal on the Elite Epée Junior Series and a last 16 at the Chichester Open, where Harry fought stronger and more experienced adults in scenes reminiscent of David and Goliath. 15 year old Noë Larousse has come on leaps and bounds in both his native Foil and more recent exploits in Epée, displaying remarkable skill and cunning in the U15 English Youth Championships to win the Bronze medal in Epée after finishing sixth in foil the day before. Alongside his gold medal at the U18 Nationals, Robert MacLennan has achieved consistently high results on the U20 and senior circuit, including a silver medal at the Senior Welsh Open, and as a result has risen up the U20 rankings this season to 7th. The Fencing Club has also achieved great success internationally, with two boys being given the honour to represent both Great Britain and Abingdon School abroad at U17 and U20 level. Following achievements last season such as reaching the last 16 out of nearly 300 at an U17 European Competition in Copenhagen and qualifying for the World Championships, Robert MacLennan achieved his dream of representing Great Britain at U20 level, qualifying for his first U20 World Cups in Latvia, Switzerland and Finland at the age of 16. Furthermore, at U17 level Harry Baston-Hall in fourth year was selected to represent Great Britain at internationals in Austria, France, Poland and Luxembourg. Both performed admirably against some of the world’s finest Epéeists, and look forward to another two years in their respective age categories. Without a doubt, the Club is a family whose every member is indebted to our two coaches, Herman du Preez and Alan Knowles. You have been been superb, not only as coaches, but also as friends and role models. Both of you have shown unwavering support and kindness to all who pass through the fencing studio doors and give each member of this Club confidence and integrity as individuals, both in and outside of this sport. From the perspective of someone who didn’t even know fencing existed until I arrived at Abingdon at the age of 11, I can honestly say that the achievements and opportunities I have received during my sporting career would simply not have materialised without your coaching and support through thick and thin. I am, and the whole Club is, immensely grateful. We were sorry to see Mr Fieldhouse, our Master in Charge, leave last year after his diligence in building up the Club, but this year we are thankful to Mr Jackson, who has smoothly taken the helm of this ship and is steering it to exciting new places such as fixtures with Eton and St Paul’s. This year’s leavers (Vice-Captain Patrick Johnson and James MacLennan) are sad to say goodbye, and will look back with nostalgia on their time at Abingdon and as part of the Fencing Club, which has contributed so much to the exemplary individuals they have come to be. As I approach my final year at Abingdon, I am both excited for what’s in store and sad that so much of my time as part of this great Fencing Club has already passed. Boys: keep fighting; keep shouting; keep winning. En Garde! Robert MacLennan, 6SAE