Aberdeen University Fencing Club (AUFC) have won the Men’s Scottish Tier 1, winning all seven of their fixtures across two weekends of action. Competing in Foil, Epée and Saber, AUFC began their campaign against Strathclyde at Heriot-Watt University, winning by a single point with the score ending 132-131.
They then recorded convincing wins against Dundee and Heriot-Watt to end the day tied at the top of the table. Meeting two weeks later at the University of Strathclyde, AUFC continued their winning streak against Edinburgh, Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian, before securing the league title against St Andrews the following day.
This is the first time in a decade that AUFC have won the league, highlighting the current individual talent and team ethos created over the past couple of seasons. All teams in Scotland agreed to complete the league in two action filled weekends, to ease the strain of travelling across the season. AUFC will be back in action against Strathclyde in the Men’s National Trophy on the 20th of November.
With the higher league involving away trips of over 800 miles, AUFC will reject the possibility of promotion and continue to compete within Scotland, unless they are drawn against English opponent in the National Trophy.
I caught up with AUFC President Charlie Haines, who reflected on a successful yet tough few months for the club and committee members-
“The win in Men’s Scottish Tier 1 meant a lot for everyone involved this year. It has not been lost on neither the team nor the committee that the club has faced some challenges in recent times, with a reduced budget. It has also been hard to attract members willing to commit for the long run, however we understand how niche a sport fencing is.”
“This year especially with our training sessions being initially reduced by over 50%, trying to get the best for our members has been a challenge. We hope with our recent success, a new training schedule and a stable number of fencers, the club will be set up for many years to come.”
“It has been fantastic to see our members find success individually, as well as within the team on the BUCS circuit. It has also been great to see all three of our men’s epéeists on the international stage, from Junior Commonwealths for Scotland to Senior World Cups for Great Britain. Despite the balancing act between Team/individual fencing and work, either university or otherwise, the BUCS league fixtures have always gotten positive feedback as a competitive but friendly environment.”
