SWINDON fencer Noah Goryn joined around 150 of the best competitors from Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire in battling for a place at the British National Finals later in the year.

Faced with a difficult seeding pool against opponents with greater experience, Goryn, from Hatherop, near Fairford, put in a fine performance, winning four matches and losing one to qualify for the next round.

His first direct elimination match was over quickly as he won 10-4 in the last 32, followed by 10-5 and 10-4 wins in the last 16 and quarter-finals respectively.

With a place in May’s national finals in Sheffield already in the bag, Goryn narrowly lost 10-7to the top seed in his semi-final.

Goryn said: “I had a great day’s fencing and to be going to the national finals at my first attempt is brilliant.’’

Coach Neil Bromley added: “Noah has been putting in a lot of hard work during his lessons and Noah has far surpassed his target. I could not be more proud or happier for him.’’