Army visit marks latest surge in club's popularity

THE Sarnia Sword Club competed against a British Army team for the first time in recent memory over the weekend. Fencing, 'a high-speed, moving chess,' has been growing in popularity recently and the Sarnia Club has about 80 senior and 30 musketeers, juniors aged between 10 and 14 years.

Mixed teams competed in foil, sabre and epee matches.

'It's the first match we've had against the Army in recent memory. Naveen Rahman is a member of the Sarnia Sword Club, but is away at university on an army scholarship and she brought them down for the weekend,' said SSC team captain Jan Milner.

The Army team varied widely in experience, from Great Britain internationals, to people competing for the first time.

'We did a bit of research but couldn't find them in the rankings and didn't want to give them an easy time,' said Army team manager Gary Taylor.

'The competition has been very fierce and they've dominated it. I put it down to lack of competitive experience.'

The Army brought over a team of 10, including a UK modern pentathlete.

'We regret coming in February when the warm waters of the Gulf Stream don't seem to flow this way. We're going to aim for the summer months so we can enjoy the island.'

A return match is promised.

'Fencing has suddenly had a resurgence in popularity over the past three years,' said Sarnia Sword team manager Martin Corbet.

'It's been more public, being featured in films like James Bond and adverts, and I think that's raising awareness among the population.'

He said that balance, co-ordination and a fast reflex were needed to fence.

'It's like a high-speed, moving chess, but you've also got to have a brain - it's a very cerebral sport,' added Mr Milner.

A website has helped in publicising the club and people can contact it to find out more by email. Flyers and posters have also raised awareness

'It's the only combat sport where men and women can compete on an equal basis. Muscles don't come into it - it's all skill,' said Mr Corbet.

The club has recently started training in the Sir John Loveridge Hall at Beau Sejour, a move that has also helped raise awareness.

'We were closet fencing in the Sarnia Room, most people didn't know it existed. People viewing sport in the hall can see fencing competition going on,' said team member Ross Martel

'Where we were used to a couple of people watching, now a large number come and see us fence.'

*Website: www.cwgsy.net/community/fencing.