WHILE Bovey Traceys Scott Willis hopes of winning the mens epee in the 12th Malta Open Fencing Championships this year were dashed, he at least managed to repeat his 2008 achievement by taking the bronze medal.

Said British team leader Jim Pilkington, from Newton Abbot: The competition was tougher, with a bigger contingent from Great Britain, and Scott did very well to retain his position.

In the individual events, not only did the Brits have Williss bronze, but also managed to bring home five of the six golds, as well as silver in ladies foil.

Our team strength was helped by a group of fencers from the Imperial College, London, and Kevin Alexander, from the Kingston Club who, for the second year running, won the mens sabre, added Pilkington.

Willis had further success in the team event where, with the help of another south Devon fencer, John Clayton, from Kingswear, and Kevin Alexander they picked up the gold after a close-fought fight ending 27-26, against a mixed team of Jim Pilkington (GBR), Hannah Bryars (GBR) and Chris Busittii (MLT).

Special thanks were extended by the Maltese to Jim Pilkington who, as owner of the Totnes department store, Salago has sponsored this international event for the last six years.

In appreciation of this, Pilkington was in for a surprise with the presentation of a congratulatory trophy by the Maltese president of fencing, Juan Formosa.

It was really great the Maltese are so hospitable and welcoming. Later in the year, we shall use the trophy as a centrepiece in the shop window of a display promoting fencing and our website, said Pilkington.

As well sponsoring the competition, salago.com has also gave a helping hand to Willis and John Clayton, who would not otherwise have been able to travel to the event.

Under the guidance of coaches John Evers and Jan Lacey, the local club meets in both Totnes and Newton Abbot and has been the starting point for fencers who have gone on to represent GB at European and World Championship levels, with the likes of Moretonhampsteads David Stewart-Watson achieving this as a cadet and Jim Pilkington as a veteran.

Pilkington has now been invited to represent GB in the first over 70s World Championship in Moscow at the end of September.