As we head into December the chess season has reached a spicy stage of the season, with the next three matches playing a big part in deciding how well remembered the 2023/4 campaign will be.
After two very tight losses (7 to 5 and 6.5 to 5.5) against strong Wilson’s School teams, who thus far have been dominating the Briant Poulter Division 2 East Surrey League and remain undefeated, we have bounced back strongly. The catalyst for kick-starting our season was the heavy 11.5-0.5 win against Whitgift ‘B’, which was followed by another straightforward win against Reigate Grammar School.
Dunottar School are new in the Surrey League this year and have acquitted themselves very well with a few victories, so we were delighted to defeat them 6.5 to 5.5 in an edgy away encounter, which currently leaves us lying third position in the league. We play Trinity ‘B’ before Christmas and a fourth successive win would set us up perfectly for the double return fixtures against Wilson’s in January. To have any realistic chance of breaking the stranglehold Wilson’s have on the division, these will become huge fixtures in which we cannot afford another double loss.
So far, seventeen players have played for Emanuel this season and the top scorers are listed below. Emanuel ‘B’ have also played two matches, a heavy loss against Wilson’s and an uplifting 8 to 4 win against Dunottar.
Top scorers
Will (Y13) ‘A’ Team 6
Karan (Y11) ‘A’ Team 6
Fred (Y10) ‘A’ Team 6
Dan (Y12) ‘A’ Team 5.5
Lucien (Y13) ‘A’ Team 4
Charlie (Y13) ‘A’ Team 4
Eddie (Y8) ‘B’ Team 3
Jamie (Y11) ‘B’ Team 3
Harry (Y11) ‘B’ Team 3
The standard in the Surrey chess league is incredibly competitive and so well done to our top players for competing at such a high level, particularly Will, Karan and Fred for recording six victories.
This was also a very busy term for House chess, with four competitions running since September and being played in great spirit. The results were:
Year 12 & 13: Lyons (A winners), Nelson (B winners)
Year 10 & 11: Marlborough (A winners), Howe (B winners)
Year 8 & 9: Clyde (A winners), Rodney (B winners)
Year 6 & 7: Marlborough (A winners) Nelson (B winners)
Both Junior and Senior Monday Chess Clubs continue to be very well attended and we would like to thank our professional chess coach James Coleman (still unbeaten at Emanuel) and Mr Lai for their support. For any pupils looking to make the jump to competitive chess into our ‘B’ team then have myself, Mr Lai or James have a look at your game during one of the Monday sessions.
Mr Jones, Senior Librarian and Archivist