The Welsh Schools Chess Finals 2011, held at Bishop Hedley High School, Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday 26th March, saw schools from across Wales doing battle in two competitions: Secondary and Primary Schools.
The Grange A, led from the front by Nyasha in the Primary Schools’ competition, cut a swathe through the opposition – with only the 2009 Champions Llandaff Cathedral posing a real challenge – in the last round - before being overcome. The Grange B, with Owain winning all his games, took the trophy for 2nd place in the Plate.
Monmouth School meanwhile went into the final round of the Secondary Schools’ category needing a victory over the cup holders and favourites King’s Monkton. The King’s team included three regular Welsh international players. First to finish was James, who drew on Board 4. On Board 3 Peter was then unlucky to lose from a strong position. Glancing down the table Sam T and Sam L understood that they both had to win against the odds. Both were playing higher rated opponents, both were in draw-ish positions and both were short of time on the clock. Amazingly, Sam T managed to pin a Rook against the enemy Queen, while Sam L won a whole Rook in the endgame!
The schools thus achieved a notable double for Monmouth.
Monmouth School B came 5th. Well done to all who took part.