On Sunday 18th September Chepstow School travelled to Eton College to take part in a teams-of-six, under 19 chess tournament involving 50 teams from all over the UK.
“Chepstow School performed outstandingly, gaining more points than any other school new to such competitions,” remarked Neill Cooper, Manager of School Chess for the English Chess Federation. “They were also easily the best of the comprehensive schools taking part.”
Seeded 31st, Chepstow school played out of their skins, coming joint 14th, with three wins, one loss and a draw in the five round competition.
Welsh chess champion Tim Kett, who knows many of the team very well, was delighted to hear of the success. “[The Eton rapidplay] is a very strong field of the great and the good in British School chess, and to finish 15th out of 50 with such a young team is terrific! Top 10 next year … and then who knows!”
As the players in the team were from only years 7, 8 and 9, Chepstow could field the same outfit for another three years.
In board order, the team were: George Smith, David McIntosh, Rachel McIntosh, Madeleine Smith, Neil Stevenson, Sam Goodfellow, and playing reserve Aaron Roberts.
Chepstow got off to a great start, with a draw against Winchester A, who were seeded fifth in the tournament. Wins came from Madeleine, Neil and Sam.
In round 2 against RGS Guildford B, the opposition was a much tougher, with good wins for just David and Sam. Much deserved points were picked up in the following match against Dame Alice Owens, with wins for George, Madeleine, Neil, and a draw for Rachel. But the best was still to come, with 4.5 points netted in round 4, thanks to wins for George, David, Madeleine, Neil, and a draw for Rachel. A strong finish came in round 5, with wins for David, Madeleine, Neil and Aaron.
With three wins in the Eton rapidaply, Chepstow has qualified for the regional round of the ECF Under 19 Open. This will be played in the Spring term, with Millfield the most likely hosts.
