With no championships in 2021 due to Covid, BUCS Fencing returns to the sporting calendar for the first time in two years. With the hopefuls entering the final stage of their preparations, Freshered has the lowdown on all the key information. Labelled the ‘biggest event of the fencing season,’ this is not one to miss.
Location and Date
The championships, part of BUCS Nationals, is happening on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th February. The venue for the event is the Ponds Forge international Sports Centre, in Sheffield, the home of the Sheffield Sharks. As is the case with all the BUCS Nationals events, spectators are unfortunately ‘discouraged,’ due to ‘limited indoor seating areas,’ and ‘the risk of Covid-19.’
What different events are taking place?
There are six different events taking place, in three disciplines. Both the men and women will compete in either the Épée, Foil, or Sabre. For those who don’t know, here is a quick summary of each of these disciplines.
Sabre
Sabre is named after the weapon used in the discipline. Competitors can score a point by thrusting or cutting with the edge of the sword, as well as the back, unlike the other two categories. The BUCS fencing regulations state that ‘all sabre competitors’ must wear the ‘800 Newton glove.’
Foil
Again, this category is named after the weapon used in competition. It is the most common weapon used in fencing. Points in this discipline can only be scored by the tip of the blade. The costumes of fencers competing in the foil includes the Lamé, unlike the other two categories.
Épée
The biggest, and heaviest, weapon used out of the three. The term is derived from the French term for ‘small sword,’ and is similar to the foil. The blade is stiffer than its counterparts, and contains a V-shaped groove called a ‘fuller.’ Immediate counter-attacks are a key tactic in the discipline, with the entire body a valid target.
All equipment used in the event must adhere to British Fencing rules, as well as the Guidelines on Safety in Fencing.
When will the different events be taking place?
The timetable for the events, which was updated on 4th February, is as follows:
Sabre
Women’s– Friday, registration open from 9am-10am
Men’s– Saturday, registration open from 10am-11am
Foil
Women’s– Saturday, registration open from 8am-9am
Men’s– Sunday, registration open from 8am-9am
Épée
Women’s– Sunday, registration open from 10am-11am
Men’s– Friday, registration open from 9am-10am
Who are the favourites for the championship?
Men’s
Durham‘s illustrious form in the men’s premier north this season means they have to come into the competition as favourites. 10 wins from 10 games is more than impressive, and they will hope to continue their winning streak at the championships. They will face stern competition from the top two in the premier south, Imperial and King’s College.
Women’s
It’s difficult to look past Edinburgh following their stellar league campaign, in the premier north. 10 games, 10 wins, and 30 points out of a possible 30 means they earn the tag of favourites. However, Oxford‘s identical record in the premier south means there will be joint favourites in the women’s competition. Imperial look good for an outside shout.
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