Men’s Foil Team on the podium in Torun

Thursday, 23 June, Great Britain overcame France in the third place play-off in Torun, Poland to claim the bronze medal at fencing’s European Championships.

A comfortable victory (45-17) over Sweden in the round of 16 was followed by a dominant display over season-long rivals, Germany (45-34) in the quarterfinals.  Italy was too strong for the British team (James-Andrew Davis, Laurence Halsted, Richard Kruse and Marcus Mepstead) in the semi-finals, beating them 45-28.

Coach, Andrey Klyushin, opted to bring in substitute Mepstead for the bronze medal match against France, replacing James-Andrew Davis, in what proved to be a excellent tactical decision.  Great Britain dominated the match and ran away with a 45-28 victory to claim the bronze medal. 

Speaking after the victory Laurence Halsted said; “I have a lot of pleasure fencing with these guys and it’s been a long time coming.  We’re making the most of every moment.  It was great to beat the French on the finals piste.”

Russia went on to beat Italy for the gold medal 45-42.