The local karate instructor polished his armour and loaded up his jousting horse, a three-quarter Clydesdale named Pony, to compete and demonstrate in medieval jousting and horseback skill-at-arms – using a sword, lance, spear or bow and arrow from horseback as practised in the 14th and 15th centuries. 

More than 40,000 spectators flocked to the two-day event in Sydney where they witnessed all forms of medieval skill, including re-enactments of the time period. 

Bossley competed against six Australians and two New Zealanders in the jousting arena and men and women went toe-to-toe. 

He was ably assisted by his squire, Cody Rowlands of Bawley Point.

The squire plays a similar role to a strapper for equestrian riders and Rowlands had to ensure the horse, and the 11-foot long lance, was looked after.

He also had to help Bossley get on to the horse which was harder than usual as he was wearing an extra 55kg of armour that limited mobility and vision.  

Two jousts were held each day and the eight went against each other at each event. 

Entrants aim at their opponent’s shield and received a point for a hit, three points for breaking the lance and five points for smashing the lance in multiple pieces.

Points were tallied after three runs and the winners then faced off in a semi-final before the final of each round.

Bossley started the Fayre well and won the afternoon joust on the first day.

When the overall points were added up after the fourth and final round Rod Walker from Bathurst was first, Vicki Subrisky from New Zealand was second and Bossley placed third.