SABRE fencing brothers, Tom and Richard Brenda, from Alcester were part of the British Under 20 team for the junior World Cup series fencing in Frascati, near Rome last weekend.

Their selection stemmed from outstanding performances this season since September, when they have both climbed the national rankings and are challenging older boys for places in both the world cup series squad and the team for the World Championships in April.

The boys join elder brother, David, who was picked for the squad last year and continues to fence for the British group.

Tom and Richard join two others from the fencing training centre in KES, Peter Kirby and Matthew Sorel-Cameron, both of whom are vying for the coveted three places in the junior British team for April.

This is the boys' first qualifying competition.

The four Stratford based boys made up half the eight-strong British team this week and Richard was the highest finisher in 61st place after gaining two wins.

Brother Tom failed to register a win and finished further down the pecking order.

All require a last 32 place in a world cup event to qualify for the British team this year. So far only Louise Bond-Williams, Chrystall Nicoll and Jenny Hutchison have made this grade.