THE Wilkinson Sword Hereford & Worcester County Closed Team competition attracted nine teams two ladies' and seven men's - from around the county.

The Redditch Youth Fencers boys' team consisted of Jeff Jones, Freddie Noakes and Jonathan Statham.

They were unlucky to draw two of the best teams in the first seeding round - Ross-on-Wye and Stourbridge B - but scored some creditable individual victories, notably against Simon Webb, the county captain.

They battled through to the last four teams, beating Droitwich A in the direct elimination 8-1.

Redditch Youth Fencers girls, Sian Salmon and sisters Florrie and Tati Gillanders, took first place in the women's event, beating the only other female team from Ross-on-Wye 7-2.

Redditch Fencing Club seniors were represented by Glyn Thomas, Richard Galey and Neville Land.

They too reached the last four, beating Stourbridge B and achieving third position with Redditch Youth Fencers in the men's event.

But when all the scores were added up, Ross were the overall winners, even though they lost in the final to Stourbridge A.

Redditch Youth Fencers came a creditable second.

Redditch Youth Fencers restart at Redditch Youth House on April 21 from 10am-noon and new members are welcome from age eight upwards.

The seniors meet on Thursday evenings at the Abbey Stadium from 8.20-10.20pm. All welcome.