Across our first three matches fourteen pupils have represented Emanuel at chess. The season kicked-off with the traditional Royal Russell multi-school event, hosted by RGS Guildford, where against very strong opposition we notched five wins and two draws (our 12 player team is in the photo). Our latest Briant Poulter Division 2 league campaign began in our second match, where we were easily beaten by Wilsons ‘C’ Grammar School, 9-3. Wilsons are current winners of both major national school chess championships, and are defending league champions, who rarely lose any league fixtures. Karan (Y12), Fred (Y11) and Dan (Y13) all picked up good victories in this tough match. We them moved onto Reigate Grammar School, where we came back from 4-2 to win 6.5 to 5.5 in the final game. This was a morale boosting win, with the team showing grit in overturning a half-time deficit. Our scorers were Dan (two wins), and one victory each from Karan, Lila (Y8), Jamie (Y12) and Harry (Y12), with Fred earning a draw. Our reserves also drew 3-3 with Reigate in a three player challenge match, our scorers were Eddie (Y9), Marcus (Y11) and two draws from Manasseh (Y12). After half-term we have three further league fixtures against Wilsons ‘D’, Trinity and Dunottar in what will surely be a highly competitive Surrey league with little separating most of the teams.
Mr T Jones, Senior Librarian & Archivist