Fencing Tied

"The fencing this year was of a good standard ... and showed that some serious work had been done in preparation for tournament."

This was the opinion expressed by Peter Hampton, sole selector for the N.Z.I. fencing team, and was endorsed by all those present at the Agricultural Hall.

It was not a sweeping victory for the winning teams (C.U. and V.U. being placed first equal), as each event was closely contested, with the result usually resting on one point.

Of the Canterbury team Mery Sharfe (C.U. and N.Z.U. Blue) was in good form winning all his bouts in the sabre and his lightning style and never-failing sense of humour made him one of the most attractive and popular players in the event.

The Victoria team fenced consistently but they did not possess an outstanding player in the men's section. The strength of their women's team lay mainly in the brilliant fencing of Mrs. Lee Pomeroy, a left-hander, and winner of the women's individual pool.

Sun Chau, Otago, showed throughout a beautiful display of classical fencing.

The Auckland team, last in this section, did not do well through youth and inexperience but they fought with spirit.

N.Z.U. Versus Otago

In the men's pool, the universities team winning by 9 bouts to 7. Mery Sharfe's fencing was, as ever, remarkable for speed and dexterity. The standard of fencing was excellent throughout and there was some brilliant play seen. The Otago-Southland team won the women's pool by 10 bouts to 6. Their greater experience in fencing proved to be the deciding factor.