Chess Mates Tournament
So Close!
Vernon Clarke
Chess Club Coordinator
The 2025 Brunswick Secondary College Chess Tournament was a battle from the very first pawn move to the final resignation. From Round 2 through Round 6, Viewbank College held the lead, but Brunswick Chess Mates Finnian Mulcahy and Oscar Watson remained undefeated after four rounds, keeping the pressure on.
Although Oscar eventually lost one game to the tournament winner, our team's determination never wavered. Of Viewbank’s top four students, only one secured a win in the final round. This gallant effort by the Brunswick Chess Mates brought us level with the Australian International Academy.
Countback
The tie meant the result came down to a countback—first through each team’s fifth-best performer, then sixth, and so on, all the way to the twelfth-ranked student! It was the most closely contested tournament in the organisation’s history.
Every game was hard-fought, with very few easy points on offer. We are proud of the preparation and resilience shown by our students.
Chess sharpens logical and visual-spatial skills, and it was inspiring to see how hard our players worked to master new tactics while supporting and encouraging each other. With continued growth and practice, we are hopeful of victory in 2026.
Student Reflections
Miro Mukai
Year 9
The chess tournament was an opportunity for me to make new friends and learn new tactics and strategies from other people. It was cool to watch and analyse the games of players with various ELOs. My friends and I have competed every year, and it’s great to see our improvement while enjoying friendly competition.
Oscar Watson
Year 9
The tournament was an exciting and interesting experience where I learned a lot and enjoyed every moment. It was a fun day of competition and socialising. I’m looking forward to the State tournament!
Congratulations to Our Medal Winners
- Gold: Oscar Watson
- Silver: Miro Mukai, Georgia Breen
- Bronze: Killian O'Connor McKay, Ari Miller-Beesley, Katerina Aretsinis
GOLD MEDAL Oscar W
SILVER MEDAL Miro M
SILVER MEDAL Georgia B
BRONZE MEDAL Killian O
BRONZE MEDAL Ari M
BRONZE MEDAL Katerina A
GOLD MEDAL Oscar W
SILVER MEDAL Miro M
SILVER MEDAL Georgia B
BRONZE MEDAL Killian O
BRONZE MEDAL Ari M
BRONZE MEDAL Katerina A
Special thanks also go to all students who contributed to the team’s score: Lance Balmes, Finnian Mulcahy, Will Hook, Tomaz Starc, Fox Rodger and Harriet Forge.
