The Welsh Primary Schools’ Chess Championships were held at Chepstow in mid-June, when 36 school chess teams gathered from all corners of Wales. The Howell’s A team of Shayanna and Venetia S., Neya G. and Emily W. completely dominated the 2014 event, winning all matches by some distance. In joint second were North Wales champions Sandycroft and the Grange from Monmouth. Underlining the strength of depth at the Junior School, the Howell’s B team came second in the Minor Section, ahead of some twenty other schools. The team comprised Susanna F., Shermin R., Grace E. and Nayana K.
Coach Mr.Thomas said: “This junior squad really is terrific. In 2011 and 2012 we were third, last year second and now we are champions. This squad has won every team competition going during the academic year. Three of the girls now leave us for the senior school – in 2015 we will be seeking not only to defend our Primary Schools’ title but also to win the Secondary Schools’ championship.”
There have been some outstanding individual performances this year at the Welsh Junior Championships, which impressed the Welsh Selectors. All four girls in the A team have been invited to represent Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Chess Championships, to be held in Glasgow in July. This event has been described as the most important chess event to be held in Scotland since 1867! Another one to catch the eye of the selectors this year is Susanna F., who along with the quartet above represented Wales in matches against the English regions in May.
Several girls, including Bindu D, have qualified for the British Gigafinal to be held in Manchester in July. Finally – all girls in Chess Club will finish the academic year with a smile after winning a medal in the Howell’s Chess Superleagues – a tough competition with no hiding place! Well done, everyone, and many thanks to Mr Thomas.