On Tuesday I had the pleasure of meeting the Hagley Fencing Team. They were bursting with energy and pride following their weekend success at the National Championships.

The team members were Reuben Grick, Liam James and Thomas Johnstone.

The members were entered to compete in both individual and teams events over the weekend. An unfortunate injury to Liam saw the team not able to compete at the Sunday teams event.

There were 15 schools competing in the event and our boys did Hagley proud. In recapping the weekend I found out that Liam competed first in the individual sabre event. A sabre, as I now know, is a slashing weapon where the aim is speed rather than potential decapitation. You score points by hitting the opposition at waist level or above. Liam was extremely successful in this event, winning the title when he defeated Michael Purcell from Auckland Grammar. However, it was in this event that Liam damaged the patella tendon on one of his knees, which was to eventually lead to him withdrawing from the last day of competition.

Next up was Thomas who competed in the individual foil event. The foil in contrast to the sabre is more of a poking weapon. After the pool stage, Thomas was ranked 4th out of 49 competitors. Thomas finished in the top 16 and was unlucky to come up against an arch rival from Waimate who knocked him out. The student who beat Thomas is ranked 1st in the foil for Under 15s in New Zealand with Thomas ranked behind him in 2nd.

After Thomas represented Hagley College both Reuben and an injured Liam competed in the individual ēpēe. This is similar to a foil event but you can strike your opponent anywhere on the body. Again, it was successful for both fencers in that Reuben came 7th out of 26 and Liam 3rd. A fantastic effort given his injury.

This is the first time that Hagley has entered a fencing team and it is promising to hear from the boys that we have a number of other fencers at Hagley that, with the right training and attitude, could be up to the level required for competition. Both Reuben and Thomas will look at entering as individuals next year.

Here is a short student profile on Thomas, Liam and Reuben:

Name: Reuben Grick

• Started Fencing – Started in Year 8 at Medbury School when it was offered as a sport
  
• Started at Hagley – In Year 9
  
• Best moment – Representing Hagley in skiing and fencing
  

Name: Thomas Johnstone

• Started Fencing – After seeing it at the London Olympics and decided he wanted to give it a try
  
• Started at Hagley – In Year 9
  
• What I like about Hagley – You can do anything you want at Hagley College
  

Name: Liam James

• Started Fencing – 6 years ago. I was motivated by the Star Wars movies
  
• Started at Hagley – 2017. Have been here just for Year 13
  
• Why Hagley? – Wanted a fresh start to do Year 13 after moving from Burnside, which was a strong fencing school numbers-wise
  

The team also wanted to give a few ‘shout outs’. Firstly, thanks to the parents who supported the team at the event. Thanks also to Sheldon Ogilve for being the team coach and to Gooses Screen Designs and Hagley College for the team hoodies.

Interested in Fencing? Beginners are welcome to start fencing. The club is called The Fencing Institute and it is found at 51 Jack Hinton Drive, Christchurch. Alternatively, see Liam, Reuben or Thomas around school to get further information.

The classes run on a Wednesday and a Thursday from 4:00-5:30pm.

It really was a pleasure meeting these students and hearing firstly about fencing and also about their successes. I feel so much more informed and can’t help but be super proud of the achievements of these guys.

Rowan Milburn
Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing