By
Andrew Stackpool
 |
|
OFFCDT
Adam Brown represents ADFA in the ACT open foil competition.
|
MEMBERS
of the ADFA Fencing Club cut and thrust their way through the
competition with skill at the recent inaugural ACT open foil competition.
Air Force Officer Cadet Adam Brown, from ADFA, and Squadron Leader
Michael Spencer, from Russell Offices, represented the ADFA club.
They foiled the opposition as OFFCDT Brown dominated the men’s
competition to secure first place and SQNLDR Spencer placed a
creditable third.
The foil is a light, tapered, semi-flexible steel sword, based
on the infamous rapier.
Its hilt is fitted with a cup-shaped guard to protect the hand
and fingers. The blade is fitted with an electric wire and a small
piston switch on the point. A scoring hit is detected when the
tip-switch strikes the target area on an opponent’s metal-thread
jacket.
SQNLDR Spencer said ADFA Fencing Club has quickly gained a reputation
as a very formidable club since it began entering teams into the
ACT competition circuit last year.
“I was inspired by a flyer promoting the start-up of the ADFA
Fencing Club in 2003,” he said.
“It was an opportunity to fulfil a boyhood fantasy to mix it with
swashbucklers. Fencing in the ADF is still in its infancy, but
growing rapidly in strength and reputation. Medals speak for themselves
– there is a DSTO scientist with a national ranking and Army can
boast a champion or two.
“I am happy to see the club develop and actively contribute to
the advancement of fencing throughout the ACT and surrounding
region. Also, there is an established club in Western Australia
with ADF Reservists who are very strong in sabre. We in the ADFA
FC use epee, foil and sabre.”
The club is now continuing its weekly training and monthly competition
sessions as it prepares for the ADFA tournament, which is scheduled
for August 20. Teams from all clubs in the Canberra region will
participate.
“This is a gathering of the best there is,” SQNLDR Spencer said.
