It has become tradition that our under 10's run a small competition in parellel to the JD cup each year. The reason for the reports coming in later is that their comp' often doesn't have time to finish on the day of the actual JD cup. They have to finish up in time for the main competition to start. As such the 'small' comp' is often picked up agian the following Saturday, with no lack of enthusiasm from the contenters.

Billy and William in action on the last day.

This year we had 6 starters, missing only Peter who was off in Queensland on a family holiday. Given the time available we usually just run a poole, and finalise the results according to ranking. Often, however, the results are inconclusive, with drawn rankings between the top 2 fencers, and given a choice between going on numbers or fencing a 10 point final, they always go for a final.

During the poole there were some stand out bouts. Max came good after a rubbery start. After a few words with his coach he came back fighting and managed to deal William his only defeat, throwing the day wide open. Billy was on a mission too, showing focus and patience, and not dropping a single bout on the first day. Josh was keeping in touch, but was a match or two shy of getting a run at the gold medal. Michelle showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the drive that saw her win the last comp' at the Oakleigh festival, still when she set her mind to it she showed the boys they had good reason to demonstrate a healthy respect for her abilities. And not to forget Luka, by far the youngest of the crowd, who not only took on the challenge with a grin, was also providing the older fencers with a good deal of trouble.

Josh attacks with a fleche, putting Michelle under pressure

 Day 2 saw it all come together. William watched on with nervous anticipation as Josh and Billy met for their bout. A win to Billy and he would be the clear winner. Josh however, needed a win for a clear advantage in the run for 3rd. And with a massive confidence boost after finishing 3rd in the U13's a week earlier, Josh came out in style and harried Billy with distance play and determined attacks. In the end Josh won and Billy and William had to make the choice between a bout or numbers. And it was to be a match, to 10 points.

This match played out as a see-saw event. Billy took the early lead in a very sure fashion. William was fencing well but out of distance, a problem that Billy did not hesitate to capatilise on with a much stronger use of distance. Still, neither could score freely and at the end of the first 3 minutes Billy was ahead 3 points to 1. A few words in William's ear pointing out that he needed to get closer in the break made a huge difference. In the return to fencing William made the correction to his attack. Slowly at first, but as he realised that it was working, with increasing confidence, he bagan scoring more points.  The result was a steady comeback, and combined with a good defence things began to turn his way. Still, Billy fought every moment with determination, he had gold before him and was not going to let it go. The bout eventually went to time (total 6 minutes) at which point William had managed a 5-0 rally, winning the bout 6 to 3.

this time Billy was not simply happy to win a medal, he was a little disappointed not to have won first. Proof of a sure belief in his skills and abilities, and the fact that next time it will be anyone's guess as to who claims top honours.  Well done to all the kids and congratulations to Josh 3rd, Billy 2nd and William 1st.