KIRBY fencer Myles Ashforth secured a silver medal at the Essex County Senior Championships.

He won seven of his eight poule fights, to be ranked second into the direct eliminations (DEs).

Tendring Technology College student Ashforth came up against the number one seed in the final.

The Colchester and District Fencing Club fencer constantly attacked his opponent, who managed to parry and score on the riposte enough to keep the scores level.

Ashforth pulled ahead by two points but his attacking style cost him his lead and ultimately the fight – he was defeated 15/13.

He had received a bye for the first round and followed that up with a 15/6 win.

In the semi-finals, he met the third seed and the bout started with a series of double hits.

But Ashforth pulled ahead after the break to win 15/12 and take his place in the final.

Ashforth also won bronze in the Leon Paul London under-17 competition.

After winning seven of his eight poule fights, he was ranked third.

After receiving a bye for the first DE fight, Ashforth saw off the 19th and sixth seeds, winning both fights 15/9.

In the semi-final he met the second seed and the two fencers traded hits through the first two periods.

In the last segment with the score tied at 12-12, Ashforth’s opponent secured the lead.

Ashforth’s attacks to take back the lead were parried and unable to recover he was defeated 15/12, to take bronze.