The 2015 Bedford Epee Open took place in October. Nearly 90 men and women participants at the Bedford International Athletic Stadium. The field included some overseas fencers from Singapore, Italy and Hungary currently training in the UK.
In the men’s competition, Quentin Berriman fought a highly contested semi-final against Calum Maynard from Egham, eventually winning 15/14 to reach the final.
In the final he faced Aton Pollard from Haverstock Fencing Club in London. Pollard is a highly experienced fencing who still fences internationally as a veteran but Berriman imposed himself 15/11 to win the trophy.
Local fencer and coach Quentin Berriman is of course no stranger to winning epee competitions as he was six times National Epee champion, from 1995-99 and also 2001.
In the women’s competition, Amelia McCormack from Oundle and Peterborough led after the first round of poules and reached the final comfortably, where she faced Verity Hiller from Reading. Hillier also just had a series of good fights to reach the final.
In the end, Hiller continued her strong performance in the final, using her strong technique to respond to McCormack’s attacks and gradually imposing herself and winning the final 15/13.
The organisers were delighted to see such a strong field of men and women fencers at their traditional annual competition. Next year’s competition will be on 9th October 2016.