Solid results at Birmingham International

THREE fencers from Shetland achieved solid results at the Birmingham International, one of the UK’s toughest fencing tournament, this weekend.

Christopher Rocks came 10th in the men’s epee in a very strong field of 118 fencers, mainly from across the UK, but also some from the Continent.

His brother Stephen meanwhile was 21st out of 76 fencers in the men’s sabre competition.

Their team mate Sophie Drosso, who had travelled from the isles to participate in the event, came 29th in the women’s foil.

Shetland Fencing Club coach Andy Alderman said on Sunday night that he was delighted by the “solid results” achieved by the club’s young fencers.

Meanwhile, almost 400 youngsters from across the isles participated in last week’s fencing fun which saw national champion Keith Cooke visiting Shetland to promote the sport.

Mr Alderman said he was now looking with the Shetland Islands Council’s active schools team into setting up more taster sessions.