Golden Gate 2006

     The guild of St. Michael's put on a wonderful tournament for the Golden Gate Renaissance Faire 2006. The weather was cool and cloudy, just perfect for a day of swordplay. Thirty fencers from different historical fencing schools bouted in three rounds of rapier combat. A point system was used to determine the top six fencers for the final round. Fencers were awarded points according to the location of their hits upon their opponent and also for the style/form used during the bout. Thanks to the skill of St Michael's listmistress, Christine, no fencer had to bout against an opponent from their same organization during the first three rounds.
    The weapon in the first round was single sword against single sword. Weapons for the second round were sword and dagger against sword and dagger. The third round was single rapier and choice of offhand weapon. During the third round, some of the offhand weapons used were dagger, brace of rapier, cloak and buckler. During one third round of play Debbie used offhand flogger aganst Rachel's offhand pistol, (unloaded), much to the laughter and delight of the crowd.
   Of the six top scores for the final round of swordplay, Lady Sydney from St Michaels held one spot and the rest were from the Diamond Rose, with the last spot being a tie between Matthew and Jason. The first bout was between Matthew and Jason to see who would have the number six spot in the final round. Matthew was the winner and progressed to the final round. Also in the final round were Chris, Debbie, Steve, and Nate. Queen Mary presided over the final round of swordplay and presented the winners with their prizes.
    Third place was won by Steve Elrod who received a baton and a medal from St Michaels. Second place was won by Matthew who received a dagger, (much admired by her Majesty), and a medal as well. First place was won by Nate who received a beautiful rapier and a medal from her Majesty. The winners also received resounding cheers from the crowd and their classmates.
   Thanks to everyone from the Diamond Rose who made the trek to San Francisco and Huzzah to the fencers of the Diamond Rose.