The RAFFU Autumn Series was held at DCA Cosford from 4 – 5 Nov 06 by kind permission of the Commandant.

Junior Sabre.
With numbers down at RAFFU events over the last year, it was encouraging to see some new faces mixed amongst the usual suspects, however even with the new fencers only 9 entered the sabre competition. Two rounds of seeding were held to ensure that all personnel gained maximum amount of fencing, and after the seeding it was SAC Dean Whitehead, RAF Aldergrove who came away with the coveted No.1 seed, while SAC James Downes, RAF Boulmer had to make do with the No.2 position. Surprisingly, SAC Trig Morrissey, RAF Honingon at his first ever competition found himself seeded 3rd. There were no surprises as the top 3 fencers, joined by SAC Al Reynolds, RAF Leeming made it through to the semi-finals. Al then met an in-form Dean, losing 15-2, whilst James met newcomer Trig and after a tough fight made it past 15-8. The final was a cagey affair, with neither fencer gaining a clear advantage until a 5 hit run gave James the edge as he stretched his lead to take the victory and the Junior Sabre title 15-8

Junior Foil.
Again, only 9 fencers entered the foil, and once again it was Dean Whitehead and James Downes who were seeded 1st and 2nd respectively. Al Reynolds this time took the 3rd seeding while another newcomer, SAC Jimmy Bardgett, RAF Honington took the final place in the top 4 seedings. True to form, all 4 of the top seeds made it through to the semi-finals, with SAC Jamie Cumming, RAF Leeming making Jimmy work hard for his place 15-14. In the first semi-final, Dean took Jimmy apart to breeze through to the final 15-3. In the other half of the draw, James had a similar match against Al, winning convincingly 15-5. The final was another nip/tuck affair, however this time it was to be Dean who came out on top, taking the Junior Foil title 15-8.

Junior Epee.
Unsurprisingly, there were 9 entrants to the epee, and this time the situation was reversed, with James Downes taking the No.1 seed while this time Dean Whitehead had to make do with 2nd seeding. Jamie Cumming continued the form he'd shown the day earlier in the foil to take the No.3 seed while once again it was newcomer Trig Morrissey taking a place in the top 4. In what was obviously a pattern for the weekend, there were again no upsets as the top 4 all booked their places in the semi-finals. In the first semi-final, James made it past Trig 15-, whilst Dean breezed past Al 15-5. The third final of the weekend saw the same two competitors facing off, with the Master-at-Arms title up for grabs as well as the Junior Epee championships. In a titanic strugle, it was Dean who finally prevailed with the narrowest of victories, 15-14.

Inter Unit 3 Man Team.
With such limited numbers, it was no surprise that there was only one 3 person team available. By default the title went to RAF Honington.

Men’s Master-at-Arms.
The Men’s Master-at-Arms race was a two horse affair for the whole weekend between SAC Dean Whitehead and SAC James Downes. It was the wi in the epee for Dean Whitehead which gave him 2 victories against James' win in the sabre, granting Dean the title of Men's Junior Master-at-Arms 2006 and the Birch Shield.

Women’s Master-at-Arms. As there were insufficient ladies competing to hold a separate event, there was no Ladies Master-at-Arms awarded. The final positions for the ladies individul events were taken from the final standings of each event.

The Spencer Cup.
As part of an initiative to encourage and reward participation in fencing at a station level, the Spencer Cup is awarded to the RAF station which amasses the most points over the course of the Junior Championships. One point is awarded for each fencer competing, with points also awarded for final placings over all three weapons. RAF Honington won the trophy, however it was not available for presentation as it's whereabouts have not yet been identified.

Conclusion.
The 2006 Junior Championships are over for another year and it was a very successful event, although the numbers present do cause some concern for the future of RAF fencing. Once again, the smooth running of the event owes a lot to the tremendous support from those who work hard behind the scenes. SAC Brigette Morgan, although absent due to Combined Service fencing representation in Canada, ensured that all the administrative arrangements were in place. Wg Cdr Dave Orme and Flt Lt Sharon Booth both gave valuable assistance as referees.My thanks also go to the President of RAF Fencing, Air Cdre Nick Kurth for presenting the prizes.

RAFFU AUTUMN SERIES 2006– RESULTS

FOIL

Ranking	Name	First name	Country	Club
1	WHITEHEAD	Dean		ALDERGROVE
2	DOWNES	James		BOULMER
3	BARDGETT	Jimmy		HONINGTON
3	REYNOLDS	Al		LEEMING
5	CUMMING	Jamie		LEEMING
6	MORRISSEY	Trig		HONINGTON
7	DARROW-BLAND	Maz		LOSSIEMOUTH
8	SCUTT	Odette		HONINGTON
9	GREEN	Kylie		NORTHWOOD

SABRE

Ranking	Name	First name	Country	Club
1	DOWNES	James		BOULMER
2	WHITEHEAD	Dean		ALDERGROVE
3	MORRISSEY	Trig		HONINGTON
3	REYNOLDS	Al		LEEMING
5	BARDGETT	Jimmy		HONINGTON
6	GREEN	Kylie		NORTHWOOD
7	CUMMING	Jamie		LEEMING
8	DARROW-BLAND	Maz		LOSSIEMOUTH
9	SCUTT	Odette		HONINGTON

EPEE

Ranking	Name	First name	Country	Club
1	WHITEHEAD	Dean		ALDERGROVE
2	DOWNES	James		BOULMER
3	CUMMING	Jamie		LEEMING
3	MORRISEY	Trig		HONINGTON
5	BARDGETT	Jimmy		HONINGTON
6	REYNOLDS	Al		LEEMING
7	GREEN	Kylie		NORTHWOOD
8	DARROW-BLAND	Maz		LOSSIEMOUTH
9	SCUTT	Odette		HONINGTON

MENS CHAMPION AT ARMS

1. SAC Dean Whitehead RAF Aldergrove
3. SAC James Downes RAF Boulmer

INTER UNIT 3 MAN TEAM EVENT

1. RAF Honington