Chess

The All Saints Chess Team travelled to Tumut to compete in the NSWJCL (NSW Junior Chess League) Primary Schools, Tumut Zone Tournament last week.

It was an extremely cold and wet day with blizzard-like conditions between Tumbarumba and Tumut. Once we’d made it to Tumut, our bus driver, Mrs Middleton, felt as though we’d already conquered the most challenging part of the day. Of course, we still had to get back! 

Luckily, the children weren’t concerned with travel and instead concentrated on the task at hand. A very busy hall greeted us with multiple teams from across the district ready to compete. We learnt how to read the board and find where our teams needed to sit, and then, as the call to begin was uttered, silence fell on the hall as all of the children began their games. 

Between games, children from all the different schools mingled together outside, keeping warm with games of basketball and handball. For those who wished to remain warm, they could sit inside and play friendly games of chess on the carpet mat. 

After seven rounds of chess, during which our players demonstrated impressive concentration and sportsmanship, the final rankings were announced. We had sent three teams and one of those teams was able to secure second place. This was an amazing achievement.

Our best players on the day were Orlando Matheson and Fredrick Jarivs. Orlando, who played on Board 1, won six games and drew one to finish with a score of 6.5 out of 7. For those new to chess, Board 1 indicates that Orlando was ranked highest on his team and, consequently, played all the highest-ranked players from the other teams. He won against the team that took away first place, so you can see that he is a very competitive player! Well done, Orlando. Fredrick Jarvis also finished with a score of 6.5 out of 7, playing on Board 3 in the same team. 

It was a great day, and it is hoped that it was enough to inspire some sustained interest in the game so that our players can become even stronger and take away the championship next year!

Well done, Team All Saints.