Chess Team Regional Finalists

For the first time, Highcliffe School’s Chess Team reached the final of the Inter-School Chess Tournament

Previously, (for the last eight years) the finalists have always been Harewood College and Bournemouth School for Boys.

Our opponents in the final were Bournemouth School for Boys and they fielded a strong Sixth Form team with only one Year 8. Our team consisted of two Year 12s, Fridolin Maier and Thomas Trach, and four Year 8s: Annelie Davis, Joshua Clift, Mickey Pritchard & Benjamin Douglas.

Over three rounds, Fridolin and Tom won every game except one. The organiser’s picked out Fridolin’s third round game as the most strategic win and Tom’s second game as being the most brilliant win, check-mating with just a pawn.

All four Year 8s maintained a positive spirit against very strong competition. Annelie showed exceptional cool and composure under pressure; she won one of her games and was in an excellent position against the number one player from Bournemouth School.

All our team received certificates and medals as runners up and two Year 7s, Owen Collie and Harvey Roberts, helped us in earlier rounds to qualify for the final.

In his report on the 2017 Inter School Team Event, Eric Sachs – Junior Chess Officer said,
“In the senior section Highcliffe were too strong on the top 2 boards but Bournemouth had a more even allocation of strengths across boards 3-6 and this was consistently crucial over all three rounds. The standard of chess being played was most impressive specifically on the top 2/3 boards and all credit to Highcliffe for fighting so hard with much younger players on the lower boards. An excellent match and well played Bournemouth who retained their trophy.”

Congratulations to the Chess Team and we look forward to next year!

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Owned by: ldn | Last Published: 30/05/2017 14:46:38 | Next Update: N/A