FENCING proved a hit at the Swindon Summer Games when it was showcased as a demonstration at the event organised by Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Partnership.

Four teams took part at Lydiard Park Academy, with a team from the host school, two from Shaw Ridge Primary and one from Covingham Primary in action.

Each group had earlier received coaching as part of their PE lessons from Swindon Fencing Club president Neil Bromley, with WASP securing a grant through their Sportivate initiative to kick-start the activity.

More than 20 children battled it out through a round robin format in a closely-fought competition.

In the final round of bouts, all four teams had a chance of winning, but Lydiard eventually took top spot ahead of the Shaw pair, with Covingham fourth.

WASP chief executive officer Steve Boocock said: “It was great to have fencing as a demonstration sport at this year’s School Games because it isn’t a sport you naturally think of to include in this event.

“I was thrilled to see how much all the children enjoyed their afternoon and how competitive they were - chivalrous in victory and always gracious in defeat.

“It has been excellent helping to get the home educators involved in fencing through our Sportivate Scheme and them coming through to win today. On another day, any of the other teams could have won.

“I look forward to seeing how fencing expands in Swindon and working with Neil to incorporate it into next year’s School Games.”

Bromley added: “This was a marvellous opportunity to showcase the sport of sword fencing in Swindon at the School Games.

“With a number of additional primary schools interested in starting this sport, the Games was a perfect platform to show how a demonstration fencing competition could be run.

“Without the support of Steve and his team, we could not have made this happen.”