A Win To Nelson Swordsmen

So you think fencing is a chivalrous sport. Don't believe it! With much hacking, thrusting, jabbing, cutting and slicing, a determined Nelson men's team beat Canterbury 15-12 to win the inaugural Nelson-Canterbury Challenge Shield. Fencing is one of many sports where quick eyes and lightning reflexes, plus the initiative to take advantage of openings, are a necessity. Without these attributes one is liable to suffer a few welts, though serious injury is rare in fencing. It's a great sport, and the Nelson Swords Club is looking for new members.

Winner of the intermediate foil was Lucio Donaggio of Canterbury

Nelson's Alan Botham scores in fine style against Graham Harris, right, in the epee

The two teams cross swords. The Nelson trio is Alan Botham, Dave Eccleston and Bob Miller. Their Canterbury opponents are Graeme Stokes, Graham Harris and Alan Bunn

Paul Campion, Nelson (right), steps out of range of a thrust from Barry Garland in the intermediate foil

And here Campion hurls onto attack

The two women's teams – the first three are Canterbury fencers Linda Harris, Brenda Gilray and Shirley Sandford (captain). The Nelson team is Lin Swale, Aileen Eccleston (captain) and Robyn Jaggar

Bob Miller, Nelson, has Alan Bunn cold. The Canterbury fencer, right, cannot escape this accurate thrust from Miller

The battle's over! Alan Botham, Nelson, and Alan Bunn discuss the fortunes of fencing

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The Nelson Photo News

No 133 : November 13, 1971

A Win To Nelson Swordsmen