After the men's competitions for Epee and Foil, a good turnout of ladies, mainly hailing from the St Paul Fencing Club, took part in the first ranking competition for season 2002/2003.

In fact, the percentage of female fencers at the SPFC is around 50 per cent of the total membership which exemplifies the universality of the sport and the popularity it enjoys among both sexes.

Donatella Bonello and Maria Pollacco, from SPFC, were taking part in their first ever ranking competition. They placed fifth and eighth overall respectively. Among the new entries were Martina Muscat, Rachel Mallia and Alexia Chapman, who had previously fenced in Scotland.

After the first round of pools, the more experienced Romualda Galea, Susan Ronald, Steffy Degiorgio and Alexia Chapman were leading the tableau followed closely by Bonello and Mary-Jo Scicluna of En Garde Fencing Club.

Ronald, Galea and Degiorgio all had successes on the local scene over the past season.

Galea also had positive results overseas where she classified middle to higher rankings in each tournament she figured in. This year she placed ninth in the Ingolstadt Open (Germany).

Locally, she achieved a double this year by being top ranked in both Foil and Epee for 2001/2002. She is also national champion at Epee.

Ronald, ranked second at both weapons the previous season, is always a strong contender for the honours.

In the semi-finals Ronald ousted Degiorgio 15-7 and Galea beat Chapman 15-11. In the final Ronald defended well, going for hits with rispostes to Galea's attacks. Ronald went on to win gold with a 15-7 win.

In the Epee it was Ronald and Galea again who contested the final after ousting Chapman and Tamara Pace Ross in the semi-finals. Galea took gold with a score of 15-14.

The SPFC ladies' team, sponsored by Renault, also included Jan Gerada, Anna Pizzuto, Josette Brincat and Tamara Pace Ross - the winner of category 'B'. Representing the En Garde fencing club was a promising Mary-Jo Scicluna as well as Mary Abela and Elenor Attard.

Anyone interested in the sport of fencing may contact 9947-8630 or visit the SPFC website www.maltafencing.com.

Ladies Foil: 1. Susan Ronald; 2. Romualda Galea; 3. (equal) Alexia Chapman and Steffy Degiorgio.

Ladies Epee: 1. Romualda Galea; 2. Susan Ronald; 3. (equal) Tamara Pace Ross and Alexia Chapman.

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