EIGHT fencers from Prior Park Preparatory School in Cricklade took part in the Gloucester County Championships and recorded excellent results.

In the under 10 boys category, Oliver Hodgson, was in superb form as he triumphed overall while Edward Scott-Payne, fencing in his only his third-ever competition, finished third.

Hodgson said: “I am very pleased to have won and I am now looking forward to more competitions next year.”

Scott-Payne added: “There were a couple of difficult bouts for me, but I am very pleased to finish in the top three.”

In the under 12 girls, Katherine Scott-Payne fought with great determination to secure third place.

“After losing points early on in bouts, I'm really pleased I kept my concentration,” she said.

Left-hander Jubril Amzart lost only one fight all day as he made it to the final in the under 12 boys.

He said: “This is my very first competition and although I felt nervous at first, my confidence grew with each victory. I am thrilled with my performance.”

Reigning champion Ben Simmonds, also from Prior Park, won every fight in his seeding round and direct elimination, before losing 6-4 in the semi-final.

“It was a very hard-fought contest which went right up to time,” he said.

“It was frustrating that I was leading with 30 seconds to go and he hit me with some good points, but I will learn from this.”

In the under 14 boys, Cullan Lloyd and George Halsey finished 5th and 11th respectively against experienced opposition.

Coach Neil Bromley said the school’s competitors should be proud of their achievements.

“To come along with eight fencers and have half either win their age group or come third is a great result,” he said.

“I would also like to thank the school for their support in developing fencing and seeing these very positive results shows the hard work is reaping great rewards.

“I hope all the children will build on these results and we will have even more to shout about in 2014.”

Headmaster Mark Pearce said: “Prior Park is promoting itself as a centre of excellence for fencing through these fantastic results.

“I am delighted with the achievements of several pupils at such a high level.”