In round 3 the ERC took 2010 to a new level. 15 fencers, 4 clubs, including hot new talent and a shake up in the top order. It doesn't need a writer's pen to put the exciting turn of events in to words, everyone there felt it, and the story tells itself.

2 novices tackling the ancient challenges of fqcing a lefty, and overcoming an opponent with superior reach.

Round 3's diversity was the thing we have been looking for all year. With Kenneth and Lie from Monash Uni', Gabriel from Blacklords and Becky from LaTrobe Uni , variety was the word of the day, and the top 8 took a serious shake up with quality bouts in every direction. Perhaps the biggest surprise came from Gabriel who showed the fruits of his recent hard work with his best ever ERC result, finishing solidly in the top 8. Lie of Monash Uni', still technically a novice, was another rouge agent showing uncommon talent for his experience. All in all, the ranking stage was full of unknowns and the pooles contained upsets and colour.

Nick and Anne in a contest of youthful experience and physical maturity

Unfortunately this article can not delve as deeply into each match as usual, written as it is half a world away from my detailed competition records. Instead we'll sum this event up and look at some of the more exceptional performances. This time around the pooles were a source of some surprises, Lei providing the major upset over Brook in their group. This lead to a interesting mix in the DE's. The first round of which was a more expected, as it sepparated the top 8 from the B tableau.

Tableua B action as Raph tries to esquive (evade) Andrew's lunge

Still, in the middle rankings nothing is given away. Andrew struggled valiantly to stay in the 8 but missed out in a tough match by 2 points. The match between Nick and Gabe was one to watch, with Gabe's impressive size for his age not being the determining factor against a fencer that has often beaten him in the past. Instead it was his improved skill that won him his first crack at the top 8. Elsewhere Ross was showing a growing maturity of his skills (no pun intended on his age), as he put increasing strong resistance to his opponents, this time Lei. While it was not enough to win he scored a good number of touches and drove his opponent hard.

In the second round of the DE things heated up and the day began to get difficult to judge. Gabe acheived a major upset when he took Nath's scalp at 8 - 15. Lei made a strong start against Brook as the more experienced fencer struggled to find his measure against Lei's impressive reach and powerful blade play. Even though Brook did find the measure and seize control of the point flow he was constantly working against a determined opponent. Damon and Becky adavanced in a more orderly fashion.

In the quarter final things were tight. Becky continued a strong run, this time claiming Damon in a reversal of the match that put her out of round 2's final. Gabriel, finding himself in the top 4 came out with a 'nothing to lose' attitude that kept him well in touch with  Brook although he could never get ahead.

The first final for Becky was a dream come true. Brook struggled to find target, discovering a combination of factors were making attacks and ripostes to quarte infective and unable to fix on the target. Becky quickly ran ahead with a strong lead while a bemused Brook tried to figure out whether or not his foil was faulty. Still, no problem is insurmountable and a fencer's task is always to 'Perceive, Evaulate and execute', in this case find a target area that would fix properlly and then work a range of actions to access it. Becky pushed and pressured in a wise tactic of keeping her opponent off balance and looking for answers but Brook would not be held down that easily. At 5- 10 to Becky her nightmare began (not that she gave away any sign of worrying). Brook began to find the target that worked and slowly but surely began a determined comeback in the face of relentless pressure by Becky. At the last minute he managed to equalize at 14-14. In the end this was not enough with the trouble Becky was giving, and a missed riposte cost Brook the match. A great and exciting match for the spectators and a well merited first win for Becky. The challenge and standard has been set for round 4, and with these results the overall standings become even closer, with any thing still possible at this point in time.

3rd and 4th was down to Gabe and Damon. A close match again but despite giving his best gabe began to flag a little towards the end and Damon's timing and blade work kept him in check. Still a 4th overall placing for Gabe was an exciting and meteoric rise in fortunes and an excellent effort for the 13 year old. Damon in the meantime stays in touch with the leaders with another top 3 finish.

Andrew and Ross, minus Anne in 3rd

Not to forget the Tab B, that this time round became even more dangerous waters than usual. Having lost his chance at a top 8 placing Andrew set to work on a straight out attack on first place. Raphael too was in full swing, showing much better control and technique in this round. Ross and Anne were there as well, each imposing their individual skills on the other contenders.  In the end this was the top four. Ross handled Anne's lefthanded 'advantage' best, using his reach to advantage against Anne who struggledd to penetrate beyond his stop hits. Andrew held fast against Raph's intense and determined barrages, leading to a final between Andrew and Ross. Here Andrew proved the more experienced despite a valiant display by Ross. A gold medal in the B tableau made up for not making top 8 points. For 3rd it was Anne vs Raph, but here things went more in the fashion of one way. A lefthander threw raph's usual confidence and this was combined with Anne's attacking game and constant pressure. A good learning experience for the young man and a well earnt first medal for Anne.

Round winners; Damon 3rd, Becky 1st and Brook 2nd