Bishops’ High fencing team emerges triumphant at inter-schools tournament in Chester

Apr 28 2010 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

TALENTED young fencers from a Chester high school have emerged triumphant from a major tournament.

The Bishops’ High School team made the home advantage count for the inter-schools tournament which took place on Saturday.

They were victorious in a contest which also involved teams from King’s, Tarporley High and Christleton.

The Bishops team consisted of Marco Simioni, Lewis Prowse, William Prichard, Alex Levi, Rowan Wills and Mathew Gwynne.

The annual fencing tournament among Cheshire high schools is run by Chester fencing coach Valerijs Scipanovs.

Bishops beat the Christleton team 3-2 and the King's beat the Tarporley 3-2 to reach the final.

In the final showdown, Marco Simioni of Bishops beat Oliver Bradley of King’s 10-4 and the gold went to Bishops.

Third place winners were decided in a captains' fight and the Tarporley team captain Sam Carson won the bronze in a close contest against the Christleton captain Christopher Lau, winning 9-8.

Guest of honour at the event was Dr Basil Thompson, former coach of the Chester Fencing Association, who once coached in the old refectory at Chester Cathedral.