One of the "delights" of being part of a club like ours is the banter that goes on from fencer to fencer. As coach I get my fair share, especially when I am coaching and unable to fight, I suddenly get issued with loads of challenges to enter the piste. Obviously when I am unable to take up the Challenge aspersions are cast as to the colour of the stripe running down my back. Equally when I announce my return to the piste, is it just coincidence that these same antagonists always seem to have an excuse for not turning up.

The 2 acceptable excuses so far have been :-

1) Mad Dog being in a coma for 21 days after falling of his bike. It must be added I remember 2 Swords issuing a challenge to Mad dog while he was still wired up.

2) The Baron being rushed to hospital to have his Gall bladder removed.

Birthdays, Proms, Weddings, Rugby Matches, Cricket practice, Holiday....... Let me know of any more poor excuses.

I know, I havent got a mask with a new bib and it wouldn't be fair.