TWO fencers from Swindon took part in the recent Leon Paul Junior Series Epee event in Packwood, Shropshire, and both came home with hard won silver medals.

Cador Beautyman was competing in the under nine category. After winning all his poule fights Cador was ranked joint first, but found himself in the toughest side of the draw for the direct elimination rounds. Most satisfying was an 8-6 victory in the quarter-finals against an opponent from London who had knocked him out in the semi-final stages of a competition at Millfield three weeks earlier.

The semi-final was a physical battle, but Cador was in control throughout and won 10-5. He then went on to lose in the final to a very accurate fencer from London.

Noah Gauger competed in the under 13 category. He won all six of his first round fights and was ranked third out of 31 competitors for the direct elimination round. Once again, Gauger fenced well, giving him convincing victories in all fights up to the final.

Here, he came across a very experienced opponent from Reigate who kept the upper hand at 10-4.

Both boys train at Swindon Silver Blades fencing club that meets at the Oasis on Tuesday evenings.