RGS Worcester duo finish 1-2 in Nationals
25 Feb 2014
The final of the 2014 Under 17 National Championships for epee was remarkable, as the final featured two girls from Worcester.
53 fencers took part in this highlight of the season, but it came down to two girls, who train at the same club, Malvern Hills Sword Fencing and who go to the same school, RGS Worcester. 15 year old Danielle Lawson and 17 year old Alix Turley both came through the pool stages in straightforward fashion, with Alix seeded 1st and Danielle 6th for the knockout phase of the competition, which was held at Sports Dock, University of East London.
Alix was too strong, 15-10, for her opponent in the semi-final, but Danielle had to beat Lydia Stanier, who trains in Germany and tops the British Cadet Ranking list, in hers. 15-13 to Danielle resulted in an all-RGS Worcester final.
The two training partners could not be separated in a thrilling final, which ended 13-13 at the end of normal time. Extra time was needed, where the first hit takes the championship. After 35 seconds Danielle hit Alix on the wrist and therefore became the 2014 British Champion. “It is always so tough to fight Alix as we know each so well,” said Danielle. “It was incredibly tense, particularly when we went into extra time and a real thrill to win the national title.”
Caption: L-R Alix Turley and Danielle Lawson