STRATFORD'S KES Centre of Fencing Exce-llence had another outstanding success when Peter Kirby (16) from North Littleton took a bronze medal in the men's event at the strongest sabre competition held in this country.

This was a notable achievement for the Chipping Campden School pupil as he was seeded only 13th at the end of the preliminary pool round.

His first fight was against Portuguese, Christovao Neto, who took nine points off the local champion. This drew Kirby with Kit Rumney from Coventry, one of the Irish youth team.

Rumney succumbed quickly, never having that vital belief in victory before Kirby's best fight against Neil Hutchison from Bath. Hutchison went 12-10 up when Kirby raised the game to his own level and won it with a resounding parry and riposte 15-12.

In the semi-finals, Kirby was beaten by eventual winner Chris Buxton.

It was excellent to see Ben Townend, 15 (KES - Broadway) returning in form from his long absence in hospital .

The Stratford clubs are starting their annual cycles and new members, especially beginners, are welcome.

There are three fencing venues in Stratford, with others in Evesham, Warwick, Redditch and Coventry.

All the local fencers started in one of these, and anyone interested in beginning a new sport can contact David Kirby on 01386 830982.