On Saturday 8 February, Eltham College hosted a regional zone of the National Primary School Chess Championship. Two Eltham teams in each of the U9 and U11 sections were joined by opponents from Pointer School, Dulwich Prep and Platt Primary with the goal being qualification for the national semi-finals by finishing in the top four.
Five rounds of matches were completed during the day, and heading into the last group of U9 matches both Eltham teams were in a promising position. Results in the final round saw the A team classified third overall, while the B team were unlucky enough to be paired with eventual winners Dulwich Prep A, leading to several individual defeats. However, the other competing teams were not able to capitalise, and the final placings saw the B team take fourth place and qualification, by the narrowest margin of half a point!
In the U11 competition, the Eltham B team performed well throughout to comfortably finish fourth as the ‘best of the rest’ behind the three A teams from Eltham, Dulwich Prep and Pointers. The battle for top honours was as close as it could be, with Eltham and Dulwich Prep eventually tied on points, although Dulwich Prep was awarded first place on a count-back tiebreak. A fine effort by the Eltham As though, which greatly impressed their coaches.
We look forward to seeing all four teams representing the School at the semi-finals in May! Well done to all involved.
Mr Oliver, Head of Chess, Eltham College Junior School
