WOODRUSH High School pupil Alexandra Powell was crowned the under-14s champion at the British Fencing Championships at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

The youngster saw off the nation’s best talent to take the title and demonstrated impressive toughness to bounce back from a slow start. The Championships are the largest competition of its type and 350 fencers qualified to take part across the different age groups.

Powell qualified to represent her region in competitions held in January, 2014, after winning the West Midlands Championships in both foil and epee.

After a disappointing performance in the poules, which left Alex in 22nd place, she fought her way through six direct elimination fights to reach the final for epee.

She then retained her nerve during some tense fights, winning two of the bouts, including the semi-final, 15-14.

Having overcome strong opposition during the day, including from England Internationals, the teenager continued to demonstrate her skill and stamina to emerge as the winner in a convincing victory over the silver medallist.

Powell is a member of Redditch Youth Fencing Club and has won a host of medals over the years, including bronze in the under-10s at the British Youth Championships.