Fencing

they can. A difficulty here has been a lack of second VIII fixtures. A large amount of writing has produced one only, and that for next term. We may feel the effects of this in the 1958/59 season, for at least six of this year's VIII are leaving.

There were five weeks before our first match in which to find a first VIII, and this did not prove very difficult except in deciding among several candidates for the last two places. Actually, scores have been rather inconsistent, and not up to our best expectations. A difficulty we have so far failed to overcome is the shifting of groups in position when sights have not been altered.

List B contains some promising young shots and distinct improvement has appeared in a number of cases. They show commendable enthusiasm for what must seem to them interminable grouping, and we can only repeat that it is the basis of all rifle shooting.

First VIII postal match results are :

St. Peter's Opponent's

Date Opponents Score Score Result 9th Nov. Trent College 653 582 Won 23rd Nov. Victoria College 675 651 Won 2nd Dec. Leeds Grammar School 664 655 Won

Individual averages are :

B. C. R. Butler ... S. H. Newbigging ... R. Baxter ... G. P. Lowley D. A. Wilson D. E. Rayner J. M. Lennox M. G. Garbutt 85.67 85.33 85.33 84.00 83.67 82.00 81.33 80.33

The term, on the whole, has been a successful one. About 20 Juniors have completed a term's fencing, and they can now be expected to continue fencing for some time to come.

More Junior Middles have attended practices than in previous years, although their numbers compare poorly with those of the Juniors who started a year ago. The House Captains and Seniors have put in some hard work, and we should like to take this opportunity of thanking them for their coaching.

We have had two matches this term, both away. The first resulted in our defeat by Durham Colleges 6-21, and the second in a victory over York 15-12.

We look forward to next term's fixtures, for which we are buying some new weapons and gloves, and we hope to acquit ourselves well against Welbeck, Bede, and King's Colleges, as well as in the return match with York.