BUCS sports champion Hannah Bryars fell at the final hurdle in Sheffield as she had to settle for fencing team silver, writes Sarah Jenkins.

However, the Imperial College medical student was awarded player of the tournament for a clinical display that just failed to inspire he

r team to a victory over the University of Edinburgh.

Speaking after the presentation ceremony, a tired and disappointed Bryars said: “I am really pleased that I took the player of the tournament.

"I didn’t get it last year, and I really wanted it. I’d have swapped it for the team gold though.”

Bryars from Hammersmith, West London, continued, “I think getting to the final was the first goal. We knew Edinburgh had a very strong all-round team, whereas some of us had to double up for the different classes.

"It was always going to need a special performance to beat them.”

Imperial overcame a stubborn Oxford display in the semi-final in a repeat of last year’s final, where they also missed out on gold. Bryars’ experience of three BUCS Championships was evident as she led her team to a 133-101 victory.

The final, however, proved an entirely different proposition for the Imperial women as they faced Edinburgh.

Going into the final foil class 15 points down, Bryars maintains that the team entered into the last third with optimism.

“We knew it was a possibility but we also knew that some of the Edinburgh team compete internationally, so it was a big ask.

"They’re a really good strong all-round team with a lot of talent.”

Despite Bryars’ disappointment she strives to return next year.

“That’s the plan. Always, always”, she says of an appearance at next years’ BUCS Championships.

Some of her disappointment might be relieved by the gold medal she captured at last year’s BUCS Individual Fencing Championships.

“I’ve got four now, so I have another two years at university and I’d like to get another two.”

The remainder of 2010 will play a big role in Bryars’ sporting development as she remains on course for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

“Fencing’s a bit weird; we hold our championships in Melbourne separately from the other sports towards the end of the year. I’m more than on course for that, so I just need to keep focused and I hope to be there."

And of her chances in Melbourne she holds high hopes, which would appear justified based on her performance in Sheffield.

With a confidence that all sportspeople require to compete at the highest level, Bryar’s tells BUCS, that: “I want the gold medal. I want the individual gold and the team gold.”