Leeds proved too strong for Keele in the women’s fencing at The Edge on Wednesday. The Gryphons went into the game very confident of victory, having put the Staffordshire outfit to the sword in their own backyard a fortnight ago. The Gryphons managed a very stylish victory this time around as well, winning 132-72 in the end.

With four wins and four losses this season, the club have had a very up and down campaign, and were looking to finish their season strongly in their final two matches.

The first weapon contested was the epee, which unlike the foil and the sabre events allows you to score on all parts of the body. For this reason, points are scored at a much slower rate as the fighters tend to be more cautious. Vicki Varosky set the tone with a commanding opening display. Ava Martinez-Lambert initially found the going tough on the piste, and her adversary caught her with a couple of crafty shots despite often being on the back foot. Despite this, Leeds were still in the lead, and it was extended by Catrin Smith and Forrest Edens. The home team encountered very few difficulties and, despite Keele putting up a very good fight, the favourites were firmly in the ascendancy.

It was in the foil where Leeds really shone. Smith got off the mark with a commanding display and the score snowballed from there, as Keele could not prevent the onslaught coming their way.

Leeds were lunging and stabbing at will, and any doubt over the outcome was quickly dispelled, with Martinez-Lambert, Edens and Smith all excelling.

The final weapon was the sabre, which is known for the shortness of its point and the fact that you can slash with the blade as well as stab. Madelaine Ee delivered for the hosts, with her opponents unable to repel her constant attacks.

Keele had some joy, but once they did give themselves any hope of a comeback, Leeds began to stretch their advantage again. Smith and Martinez-Lambert also showed their class and rarely seemed flustered, moving in clinically when they had the chance.

Ee continued to stand out, and none of the Keele sabreurs had any answers to her sharp movement and devestating accuracy. Despite this, they never threw in the towel and collected a flurry of points towards the end of the contest. However, Leeds were long out of sight by then, and Ee wrapped up the victory with customary aplomb to secure to secure a 132-72 victory.

First place may be out of reach for the Gryphons this year, but they will still be looking to finish with a flourish in their final match against Manchester in two weeks time.

 

Image courtesy of Alice Greenfield

 

Alex Bowmer