We recently had our first ever chess fixture against Langley Park, an east London school who are new to the Briant Poulter Chess League this season.

Langley Park are ambitiously entering two teams in the same division – although they do have over 1,500 boys to choose from! Bearing in mind we play their ‘A’ team in a couple of weeks we were desperate to do well in this match, and fortunately we were very comfortable winners.

Charlie won both his matches, as did MacKenzie and Zeeshan, meaning all three have a 100% record after four games this season. Joe won one match and drew his second, but the biggest cheer of the evening was for Karan who won his first ever matches for the team. This was a terrific effort from a Year 7 pupil playing in only his second school fixture. It is very rare for Year 7 pupils to play for the school team, so Karan has made a fantastic start to his chess career at Emanuel.

Sophie also played and lost a tight match, as did Gabriel, another Year 7 pupil who was making his debut but put in a great effort. Unfortunately he narrowly lost, but I’m sure will be picking up victories soon.

Tony Jones (Senior Librarian and Archivist)

Karan after his famous double victory.