A HORWICH fencer has been celebrating success on the national stage after some impressive results recently.

Aaliyah Sharplin went down to Hatfield to take part in the English Youth Championships in the under-13 girls sabre.

The 13-year-old finished her poule fights unbeaten and was ranked joint top.

The ex-Rivington Fencing Club member has moved to Marshall Fencing Club and they have helped her develop even further.

Her first opponent in the direct elimination was quickly beaten taking her to a semi-final match which again was easily won.

This put her in the final against a club mate and good friend Ellen who prevailed in the final giving Aaliyah the silver medal.

Proud dad Alex said: "She has really gone from strength-to-strength this year.

"In her age categories that she has been competing she has either been first on second.

"With all of her performances I think she will be picked for the England squad next year.

"I think since she switched clubs from Rivington she has improved.

"Her coaches are supportive and there are a group of girls of the same age who are all pushing each other to succeed."

Aliyah was not content with finishing runner-up in the Youth Championships as she went to Eltham College in London to take part in the inaugural ISA (Independent Schools Association) Fencing Championships.

Alex said: " She did really well and was unbeaten in mixed poule of U13s and U15 boys and girls winning all eight fights.

"She then moved on to the finals and fought her way to victory despite having sustained several bruising hits from her opponent."

Earlier in the year Aaliyah has travelled to Poland this year to Challenge Wratislva which is the largest youth tournament in Europe in her first international.

Alex added: "She finished the highest ranked British girl in her age country out 93 competitors from all over the world.

"She has been travelling quite a bit this year as she also went to Romania to take part in large club competition.

"She was the only British entry in a field of 55 and finished in the top 20 in 14th spot overall."

n If you have a sports story get in touch by sending an email to robert.kelly@nqnw.co.uk or alternatively ring 01204 537246.