Interschool Chess

Chess challenge

Our library hosted a regional round of the Northern Star Chess competition on Monday 25 May.  It is the first time we have held a face-to-face event since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with 20 Oberon High School students, we welcomed visitors from Christian College (Geelong), St. Josephs College, and Western Heights Secondary College.  Each of the 52 students played seven rounds and as the day progressed there were some tight and lengthy battles, sometimes concluding in a draw when a clear winner could not be determined. 

There were plenty of experienced and talented opponents on the day and our students can be pleased with their individual efforts.  Following a loss our students usually came away with a new strategy to try for the next match - often with success!  The tournament ran as a team event, however also recognised personal achievements.  Phoenix Marsden and Milan Knezevic (Year 10) were our best players and respectively claimed first and second place.  Phoenix was unbeaten at the end of the day, and Milan won six of his seven games.  Well done!  The efforts of other students finishing in the top 20 contributed to Oberon High School claiming the overall prize for the team effort.  Congratulations to Max Mitchell (Year 10), Saathvik Balaji, Jack Cattton-Ellmer and Hunter Moorhouse (Year 8) for their individual accomplishments, which contributed to the team’s overall triumph.  Phoenix, Milan and Max have qualified to compete in a ‘semi-final’ tournament (to be held late in Term 3).  This will be a chance to qualify for the state championships (held in Term 4).  Congratulations to the prize winners, and indeed all the students on their fine sportsmanship and good play at all ends of the chess skills spectrum. 

Ms Waldron must be acknowledged for her organisation and support of the chess team in the lead-up to the event.  Thanks to our Assistant Principal, Mrs Knight, who helped with the presentation of certificates and medals.  A special shout out to Ms Fletcher, our Library Assistant, for her efforts with rearranging the library furniture - twice!  Her superior muscle strength when shifting the often very weighty mobile bookshelves was greatly appreciated. 😊 

Louise Monotti