Fieldays Fencing Competition Comes Down to the Wire

14 June 2024

Fieldays Fencing Competition Comes Down to the Wire

Gisborne’s Tim Garrick has topped reigning champion Tony Bouskill in a thrilling display of speed and skill. The competition was down to the wire, with Garrick coming out on top in the prestigious Golden Pliers® by WIREMARK® Championship final, adding his first trophy to his belt.

Judges couldn’t fault Garrick, and head judge Owen Petersen commends him for his speed. “Tim was first off the line, finishing at just over five hours”.

The Golden Pliers® showcase individual skill, and the qualifying heats were held prior to Fieldays, with the top eight finalists competing. “It is a chance for them to put themselves out there as an individual competitor,” says Petersen.

“Tim has had a few wins this year at regional competitions that have set him up well”.

First-time qualifier Cameron Hamerton showed promise. “This was only his second year competing and it was evident to see he had put a lot of training in”, says Petersen.

The Fieldays® Silver Spades™ Doubles Championship also saw Garrick collect another trophy with doubles partner Cory Twigley. The competition attracted international participants Jason Day & Alexander Asser from the USA and South Island qualifiers Craig Sinclair & Will Pei.

The three days of competition kicked off with the Bill Schuler Singles on Wednesday, named after the late legendary Bill Schuler, to encourage younger up-and-coming competitors or those new to fencing competitions. Micheal Trott took out first place, with the judges commenting that he used speed to his advantage but also had enough quality to take the win.

“Fieldays Fencing Competitions are a chance for competitors to come together and discuss ideas and techniques with like-minded people whilst sharing the good spirit that fencing competitions encouraged between contractors in the industry,” says Petersen.

The Fieldays Fencing Competitions are organised and run by NZ Fencing Competitions (NZFC). NZFC was formed in 2013 as a committee committed to promoting and governing fencing competitions in New Zealand.