Duel in The Park 2008
Bexley Fencing Club have been involved in The Danson Festival since 1990 and in 2007 we decided to institute our annual invitational competition.

Duel in The Park 2008 is a six team competition where the teams begin by fighting in two 'poules' to determine positions for the finals.
In the team competition format each team consists of three fencers with optional reserves. In each round, each fencer fights all the fencers in the opposing team so that there are nine fights in each round. Each fight is to five points so that the winners will be the first team to 45 points.

With three teams to each poule, the teams each fenced two matches and the resulting table established who would fight it out in the three finals.
This year it was decided that we would fence under cover for both days and so, in the best traditions of the british weather and despite the weather reports, there was brilliant sunshine. This weather bought out crowds that, at times, stood five deep to witness the titanic battle that took place.

The final placings.
1. Bexley A
2. Gravesham
3. Blackheath
4. Bexley C
5. Bexley B
6. Southampton

Click here to see the full results for Duel in The Park 2008

Like last year this event was a learning curve. This year almost everything fell into place from the marquee that had the space that we needed, the equipment required for the event and those that came to set everything up. Our thanks go out to all those who took part, all those who came to support us, Our friends from Gravesham Fencing Club, Blackheath Fencing Club and Southampton University Fencing Club who travelled to take part and all the visitors that came to see us. Our special thanks, as always, go to the families and friends of everyone who continue to tolerate us and our sport.

On the Sunday the atmosphere was more relaxed and we fenced our way through the afternoon, showing off the Epee, Foil and Sabre weapons that are used in our sport. The main idea around Sunday was to provide a demonstration of fencing in all its forms and the club members and visitors supported the club once again.

Those that took part in Duel in The Park 2008 were:
Owen, Karen G, Paul R, Alex, Paul B, Max, Kevin, Matt, Gary, Liz, Scott, Clive, Andrew, Vivienne, Karen, Richard, Mark, Emma, Miles, Callum, David, and Andrew (2). Plus numerous family members, friends, colleagues and people dragged off the street.

Bexley Fencing Club would like to thank the following for their help in bringing "Duel in The Park 2008" to The Danson Festival this year:

Bexley Council

Leon Paul

B&Q

TC Fluid Control

Vels Barber Shop