Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The final thoughts.

Ahh back home.

But the memories will sparkle and shine forever ... Penang was a wonderful destination and experience.

For all the followers of the team through this blog ... thank you for your support. We have enjoyed providing the feeling of the championships and we think that it has been a good idea. It is the first time we have done this so please write your comments and let us know what you think and ideas of how we could improve it.

Please note that we did not put any video clips on as we were not sure if it would make things too slow for people (like myself) who still rely on "dial-up" at home rather than broadband internet connections.

Once again thank you Penang and paraphrasing those famous words and accent "We'll be back".

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Haere ra - Fairwell to Penang

Haere ra.

We bid fairwell to Penang. We have had a great time, the fencing competition was good. We met old friends, made new friends and really enjoyed the experience.

It has been a pleasure to have been able to assist our fencers on this adventure to the 2009 Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships in Penang, Malaysia. It was a privilege, pleasure and an inspiration to have seen all the new Commonwealth Junior Fencing Champions fencing, in action on the piste. To all the fencers who helped prepare the teams and to all the participants from all the Commonwealth countries we thank and salute you.

We thank everyone for their contribution and co-operation. Thank you very much.

We thank our hosts the Malaysian Fencing Federation and the Penang Amateur Fencing Association for the running of this "Fencing Festival". In particular we thank Dr Kenny Ong, President of Penang Amateur Fencing Association and his amazing support team for their passion, enthusiasm and committment to ensuring these 2009 Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships were the best they could be. Carine, and Jason have been a real service to our fencers, thank you.

Haere ra Penang

































Good bye and thanks for everything.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Saturday 21 February Competition Day 5

Final day of competition with the team fencing, Women's Foil (no team, Men's Epee and Men's Sabre).

All events were started at the same time. Fortunately Men's Sabre was split in to two waves, with NZ vs Malaysia in the second wave.

Men's Epee:
NZ lost the toss with Wales so were fencing on the bottom of the score sheet (fencers 4, 5 and 6). The Welsh began with their best fencer and and took a small 2 hit lead, which extended to a 7 hit lead over the next two bouts. At the end of the third bout we were being led by Wales 15-8. A brilliant epee display was given by Chris (The Dish) Bell who returned to the piste, demolishing their number 3 fencer. He scored 12 hits for only four received and positioned NZ with a 1 hit lead, 20-19. The Welsh immediately responded by substituting that fencer.

In the subsequent bouts the Welsh then increased their lead once again putting on a further 14 points for New Zealand's 5. In the second to last bout with the score at 25-33 for Wales, Chris (The Dish) Bell again worked his magic, 13 hits for only 7 received. He closed the score to a 2 hit margin, 38-40 for Wales, who maintained and improved that in the final bout, beating NZ 45-41.

Men's Sabre:
The men's sabre team, 7th seed against the 2nd seed Malaysia. The New Zealanders fenced valiently, the clearly superior team. The victory was in no doubt with Malaysia winning 45-16. The internationally recognised sabre referee made the comment that the New Zealand Sabreurs had quite good hands, were clear with the blade, but were let down by poor footwork skills and need to put a lot more time and effort in to the developing the quality of their footwork with high volume of quality training so they can move smoothly, quickly and accurately.

The final team events were passionate, intense and loud. All three finals were fenced simultaneously, which made videoing interesting. Men's sabre was the first to finish, with England beating Malaysia, then the Men's Epee had a last bout begin, locked at 40-40 between England and Malaysia, with Malaysia coming out the victors. In the Women's Foil Scotland decisvely beat Wales.















And all that is left is the Final Function in our hotel's ballroom tonight. Hats, tee-shirt and tracksuit swapping is still in full swing. So more to follow ... see you later ... I have a ball to go to.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Friday 20th February Competition Day 4











Individual events are over. Now for the team events. Unfortunately all team events fought on a direct elimination basis, based upon team seeding from the individual events. Unfortunate because this means that half the teams have only one match before elimination - a different sort of time tabling would have permitted a round of two or three pools with at least 3 teams, that is 2 teams matches before a DE tableau. This is just an organisational observation for this sort of event which is after all a "Festival Of Youth" experience, not an FIE Championship event.















The palpable camaraderie and friendships that have developed between the fencers from different "countries" is wonderful. Kids at heart and kids at play (well young adults/teenagers actually - please excuse the poetic license), having fun - at the medal ceremonies, kicking balls and balloons around, swapping tee-shirts (NZ white polo tops with black side slash flash are an "in demand" hot ticket item along with the Welsh Dragon Tee-shirts). Hats are a popular fashion item, either funny floppy Welsh dragons or jaunty black felt hats worn at rakish angle "A La Mode" but hats must not be worn on podium for the medal ceremonies. Flag waving and cheering at all occasions is perfectly acceptable.

The spirit of these Championships has definitely gone up a notch or two. Support comes from from all countries, cheering for their new friends, especially if they are the underdog, encouraging and urging each other on. The end results may not be any different but proof that it is not the destination that is important but the journey, and the journey can be fun.

The refereeing has been pretty good. Steve Clarke and Laura Harvey, our referees, have had a pretty long and steady week. Up with the lark for long days - leaving the hotel for the venue as the sun rises and then returning as the sun sets - so not seeing much "real" daylight between. Both have taken the pressure in their stride.

Sue Cowper our roving supporter has also been a great asset to the team. Sue has been able to assist the team "goforing" and shopping, helping members not needing to be out at the venue first thing, to catch the later 9:30 bus to the venue. How she managed to do all the shopping and bring 15 litres of water back to the hotel was a Herculean feat.

Today it rained ... as we left ... heavily ...wow! And it is so much cooler as well. Quite refreshing, or perhaps we are acclimatising.

At the pointy end, today we had Men's Foil and Women's Epee teams, but no Women's Sabre team.

The Men's Foil:
The team ranked 7th out of 8 teams drew Singapore - and having won the toss and taken the top of the score sheet Chris Bell took the team to a 5-3 lead after the first bout. In the second bout the lead was quickly extended to four hits before the Singaporeans were shaken awake - the sleeping dragon when woken is very dangerous - and this one responded. The consistency of the Singaporeans was overpowering. Everyone worked hard to bring the score back, and Hamish Chan was especially noteworthy, his patience and ability to hold his own on attack and defense, going to time, held the score through the middle bouts. But in the end the Singapore fencers proved they were the better team winning 45-29.

The Women's Epee:
The team was seeded 8th out of 8 teams and it was "Mission On" against the eventual Gold Medal all conquering England Team. Losing to England 12-45 was an achievement in itself considering the very strong English lasses went on to beat the silver medal Malaysian Team 45-28.

Day 5, the final day of competition, will have us with a Men's Sabre Team seeded 7th against 2nd seeded Malaysia, and our best medal prospect - the Men's Epee team which is seeded 5th against 4th seeded Wales.

So "In bocca luppa" ... in to the wolf's mouth ... and best wishes from Penang.

Martin, Kate and all the Team and Supporters

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Thursday 19th February Competition Day 3

Last day of individual competitions - women's foil and men's sabre.

We arrived as usual to a darkened stadium and no airconditioning - lights & a breeze were operational 10 mns later. No protests about rankings this morning, for a change - watch this space..

The women's foil had 36 starters in 6 pools of 6. Chris Bell generously came to the venue to warm up with Sally and support her and the sabreurs. In the pool, Sally won 1 bout, lost 4, giving her 29th place in the Direct Elimination tableau of 32. She then fenced Huan of Malaysia, losing 15/10. Final placing 33rd.

In the first round of the sabre, after the seemingly obligatory redrawing of pools following a protest, Will Cowper won 1 bout, lost 4. His victory was in his last bout, against Yu of Malaysia, who until then had a clear record. V5/2 to Will. Seeded at #26 after round 1.

Will then encountered Yu again in the DE of 32, and this time he was wide awake. final score 15/5 to Yu.

Aidan was in a pool of 7, and finished the round with no victories. His DE bout was against the #2, Sam Brightman of England. One memorable hit was when Aidan pushed Brightman back towards his back line - he went off the back of the piste in a hurry.

So, sadly, no kiwis were left on the pistes by the end of the morning.

We stayed to watch some of the DE bouts, then headed back to the hotel for some rest and recreation.

Teams tomorrow - Men's Foil & Women's Epee.

regards
Kate

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Wednesday 18 February Competition Day 2

Men's Foil 40 fencers and Women's Epee 35 fencers

After Round 1
Men's Foil - Hamish Chan 4 wins 2 loss (12th seed), Hamish Clarke 3 wins 3 losses (21st seed), Chris Bell 2 wins 3 losses 27th seed), Ben Wilkins 2 wins 4 losses (30th seed).

Women's Epee - Rebecca Cribbin 2 wins 4 losses (23rd seed), Carla Campbell 2 wins 4 losses (24th seed), Jazmin Hopper 0 wins 6 losses (35th seed).

Hamish Chan, Hamish Clarke, Rebecca Cribbin and Carla Campbell all had byes through to the DE tableau of 32.

Ben Wilkins eliminated in first DE, final place 34th. Chris Bell won strongly against Nadir (India) and Jazmin Hopper won a close nail biter 15-14 against 30th seed Davies (Wales).

Rebecca, Carla and Jazmin all eliminated in the direct elimination of 32 fencers. Cribbin 23rd, Campbell 24th Hopper 32nd.

In the DE of 32, Hamish Chan and Hamish Clarke drew each other, with Chan proving the stronger to take the victory. Chris Bell lost to Holder (ENG). Clarke placed 22nd, Bell 27th.

Hamish Chan confronted Mathew Lam (Singapore) losing a close bout which swung in the balance after Lam gained a clear lead after the first period and was quickly pulled back by Chan and reached a one hit lead for Chan at 10-9 going into the last period. After a period of tit for tat Lam pulled away for the 12-15 victory. Hamish Chan's final placing 12th.

Sorry no pictures today, at the critical moment found the camera not working. After disassembly then putting it all back together again it is now working. Sadly this was after all the Kiwi fencers had ended their day. Pics for sure tomorrow.

On the piste for competition Day 3 will be Sally McCance in Women's Foil along with William Cowper and Aidan Taylor in Men's Sabre.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Tuesday 17th February Competition Day 1


Men's Epeeists Gideon van Zyl and William Bishop were first up.

A slow start due to poule changes after a successful protest regarding seedings. Original poules changed - Gideon was in a poule of 6 and won 3 lost 2, William was in a poule of 7, won 5 lost 1. Gideon was seeded into the DE 17th and William 5th.

Gideon lost first DE to Kristian Radford (AUS) for a final placing 20th.

In the 32 William Bishop beat Davidson (AUS), then Robert Allen (South Africa) to reach the last 8. He then powered on through James Allen (ENG) to reach the semi finals losing to Gandolfi (ENG) and winning the 2009 Commonwealth Junior Men's Epee Bronze medal.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Monday 16 Feb

Visited the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) for the first time - massive arena with standard international set up of four pistes (red, green, blue and yellow), two end to end on each side of the central raised finals piste. At one end an extra 4 pistes are provided for warming up and overflow in the poules round.

We arrived about 10am and it was already hot and humid outdoors. Inside was not much better. The air conditioning has been promised to be operative from Tuesday, for the first events. Some final warm up practice, warm up lessons and delivery of equipment for weapon control was completed along with "Managers" and "Referees" meetings. Laura performed a sterling effort with weapons control in managing to have the equipment returned by 4:30pm.

The heat in the venue was sweltering - after one and a half hours two litres of water later sesion was at an end. So back to the hotel for the fianl rest period before the first events begin tomorrow, Tuesday.

First day will be Men's Epee and Women's Sabre with 34 and 26 fencers respectively. We have two fencers only first up on day one, William Bishop and Gideon van Zyl.

William's 31st place at the Montreal Junior World cup late last year earned him 4 points and has moved him up to the desirable 6th place seeding. Though Gideon is ranked 8th equal, he is along with a large number of others as unranked fencers and has drawn quite a satisfactory mid-ranking position.

The poules for tomorrow have been drawn and posted:
Women's Sabre 26 fencers in 2 poules of 6 and 2 poules of 7.
Men's Epee has 4 poules of 7 and 1 poule of 6. William and Gideon both have poules of 7.

Poule No.2
Kristian RADFORD (AUS) - 26
Gideon van ZYL (NZL) - 8
Gerard SING (SIN) - 8
Dinash DINBJH (IND) - 31
Greg CARTY (ENG) - 8
Gareth Thomas (WAL) - 2
George MELHUISH (GUE) - 31

Poule No.5
James ALLEN (ENG) - 5
William BISHOP (NZL) - 6
Nahrig NDOR (MAS) - 8
Mathew ALBERS (IOM) - 8
PREMANANDA (IND) - 26
SO Haimi HASMIE (MAS) - 26
Nicholas DAVISON (AUS) - 34

Identifiers: AUS Australia, ENG England, GUE Guernsey, IND INdia, IOM Isle of Man, JER Jersey, MAS Malaysia, NIG NIgeria, NIR Northern Ireland, NZL New Zealand, SAR South Africa, SIN Singapore, SIL Sierra Leone, WAL Wales

Fencing begins here on Tuesday at 9am (4pm NZST) with the final being completed at 6pm (11pm NZST). We will make every effort to pass through as much of the results as possible. We think there will be very little information available on-line or close to real time so we will endevour to provide a "round up" each evening, Malaysia time for our early morning NZ time devotees.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Sunday Penang


Todays program - rest and recovery.
Todays weather - misty but sunny morning, more of the warm zephyr breeze.

Picture of early morning view from hotel room.

Buffet breakfasts and some early morning swims washed away cob webs.

A quiet day for "looking around" finding out what's what and where things are ... discovered that locally purchased sim cards for mobile phones have very cheap call costs.

It rained early afternoon, which did not seem to change the heat or the humidity. Still a warm zephyr breeze. Still misty in the distance can only vaguely see the mainland.

Spotted walking fish chasing each other on the mud flats when the tide was out - actually it was not a game it was the big ones trying to eat the small ones.

Some of the team had shopping on their "to-do" list (we can expect a few great looking guys in tailor made suits) - others went on the city tour, Thai Buddhist Temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram) the 3rd largest reclining Buddha in the world 33m long- across the road from the Burmese Buddhist Temple, quite different but very beautiful. Fort Cornwallis, where the British first landed and set up their "base". Visited a pewter factory, tin is one of the major resources mined there, and the pewter was high quality and lead free. Next the Museum & Art Gallery, followed by George Town area (Church Street Jetty) where the British apparently wanted to tax people for building so said they would tax everyone who put a building post in the ground, consequently the locals started building over the sea, with jetties out in to the bay (posts ere not into the ground so not covered) thus did not pay the local tax (take that Great Britain) and ended with a visit to a coffee and chocolate shop ... we suspect this was operated by a friend of the driver having quickly driven thru China Town and Little India shopping areas. And for oddities, saw a couple of horses grazing on the rooves of the buildings at Fort Cornwallis (???) and the first monkey has been spotted.

For dinner the Hotel's restaurant and the buffet was absolutely great, something for everyone - the desserts were a big hit ... yam flavoured ice cream was okay - all bets were on for the yellow Sweatcorn flavour ... it certainly openned your eyes and was Bizarre (with a capital B). Chocolate sauce and nuts could not improve it.

Teams are now starting to pour in, Monday we visit the venue and there will be meetings for referees and managers. So from here on in more about the fencing.



So, more to follow.

Martin

Team to Penang arrives safe, sound and tired.

What a day. Cantabrian's, Wellingtonians and Aucklanders came together for the first International leg to Hong Kong, then Kuala Lumpur, and then the final destination Penang. All bags scraped in without any excess. 12 Fencers and 5 supporters left on time, off blox at 2359, then with a tick and a tock it was no longer Friday the 13th Black Friday, but Valentines Day.

The new IFE (In Flight Entertainment) system was briefly a hit while we were served a late night "supper", then sleep took over. Arrived Hong Kong some hours later (I believe about 3am-ish local time), rather quiet. Customs, baggage, rechecking in without hassels.

Then once again another few hours, a meal, snoozing, for the flight Hong Kong KL. Arrival in Malaysia was stress free, quite and peaceful. An air of calm was palpable ... or we were just plain tired. Transferred to the short domestic flight to Penang. More of the same ... only change was the rather heavy touch down thump which announced "you have arrived" and we were awake. Palm trees every where. A warm and humid 30 degrees. Met at Penang Airport - fencers and bags transferred to the Evergreen Laurel Hotel with a sea view from our third floor rooms, overlooking a swimming pool. Shower, dinner for 17 and then bed.

Dinner setting for 17 - open air, view the sea, warm zephyr breaze - and we are just a little tired.

A day of travel with a five hour time shift and the adventure on the longest Valentines day has begun ... more to come.

Martin Brill, Coach

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

NZ Team at Commonwealth Junior Champs, Penang

Welcome to our blog. Here you can follow our progress in Penang, Malaysia, at the 2nd Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships.

We'll be updating this blog regularly, so check in to find out what's happening, what's coming up, what it's like in Penang, and of course, how the team is doing.

The team meets up in Auckland late on Friday 13 February, and flies to Penang via Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. We arrive in Penang on Saturday 14 Feb, late afternoon local time (5 hours behind NZ time). We have a couple of days to settle in before competition starts (and air conditioning at the venue!) with the men's epee individual on Tuesday 17 Feb.

You can send us messages of support using teamnzpenang@gmail.com. We love to get messages!!

We don't like being woken up in the night though, especially if we're competing that day or have been competing the day before. If you're thinking of calling or texting someone in the team, please do it in the NZ afternoon or evening (12 midday in NZ is 7am in Penang). We need our beauty sleep!!

More soon,
Kate Brill
Team Manager/Coach