Although much of the campus media spotlight has been placed upon the success of the Men’s Futsal side in qualifying for the quarter-finals of the National Championships, the same achievement has been attained by the women’s fencers. Tomorrow they host Cardiff 1sts, as they look to seal their progress through to the semi-finals, and take a significant step closer to becoming this year’s national champions.
With five wins out of eight, York’s fencers finished second in the Northern Premier Division, being pipped to the title by Edinburgh 1sts. Their success provided them with a bye through to the quarter-finals, where they meet Cardiff, who placed third in the Southern Premier Division behind Imperial College and Cambridge.
The contest is settled over three disciplines, sabre, foil and epee, and whilst York have struggled in the sabre so far this year, which is their weakest event, they have excelled in both the foil and epee.
Indeed Imperial College, who meet Birmingham tomorrow, appear to be the favourites to be crowned BUCS National Champions. So far they have won all eight of their league contests this year, as they aim to retain their title they secured last year by defeating Edinburgh in the final.
Last year York crashed out at the last 16 stage, as they suffered a resounding 55 point defeat at the hands of Cambridge 1sts. This season though the team appears significantly stronger, and hopes are high of progressing through to the semi-finals, something which would be a significant achievement for the university.
If they are to attain this, then much will depend upon the form of Louise Highton and captain Sophie Mason. The two have proved to be the starlets of the York side, and together with Sofia Henneberg and other notable contributions, they have enabled York to record a series of fantastic victories.
