Since the last newsletter update in December the Emanuel School chess team has continued its impressive winning streak. Historically, the chess team usually has a 50/50 win/loss ratio and considering the strength of schools we routinely play are happy to hold our own, as Surrey (where most of our opponents) are based is a hotbed for chess. We currently play in the Briant Poulter (East 2) Division where opponents include Wilsons (two squads), Dunottar, Reigate, Trinity and Whitgift.
Our results since the last update:
Emanuel 11 Trinity B 1
Emanuel 9.5 Whitgift B 2.5
Emanuel 7 Wilsons C 5
Wilsons D 4 Emanuel 8
Remaining league fixtures:
2nd Feb: Reigate V Emanuel
23rd Feb: Trinity B V Emanuel
1st Mar: Emanuel V Donottar
Due to our good run of form Emanuel are currently sitting second in the league (which is routinely dominated by Wilsons Grammar School) and we were delighted with our recent double victory against their ‘C’ and ‘D’ teams as they are one of the best chess playing schools in the UK. Winning the league is unlikely, as Wilsons ‘C’ will probably win all their remining fixtures, but we have our fingers crossed another team does us a favour!
Our top six players have remained largely unchanged for the last few matches, and everybody has been contributing. Our top scorers are:
Fred (Year 10) – 14 (Won 12 matches in a row, an incredible record)
Will (Year 13) – 13.5 (Plays top board, Emanuel’s number one player)
Karan (Year 11) – 11.5 (School Chess Captain, unbeaten in ten matches)
Dan (Year 12) – 9.5 (Top Year 12 player, picked up some key victories)
Lucien (Year 13) – 8.5 (Key middle board player)
Charlie (Year 13) 8 (Plays board 2, Emanuel’s most capped player)
Outside of the top six several other players have also played for the team, including Harry (Year 11), Jamie (Year 11), Eddie (Year 8) and Lila (Year 7). Next season we will be looking to these players to step into the big shoes of Will, Charlie and Lucien when they leave school and head off to university.
Thank you to Mr James Coleman, our professional Chess Coach, for his continued support of our clubs.
Mr Jones, Senior Librarian