EPSCA U11 Championships 2003-2004

EPSCA U11 Final, Cuckfield, 8 May 2004

Having failed to qualify for the National U11 finals after an appalling first round in the zonals, Sussex were given a second chance to enter the final, when we agreed to host the event at short notice when the previous hosts had to pull out.  So on Saturday, Sussex parents turned out in force to help host an event with over 400 children competing.

Following a team building evening on the Thursday, the U11 team were fired up to show that they deserved to be at the final, and were finally working as a real team.  They showed what they were capable of, when in the first round, they scored 16 out of 20, to narrowly lead the tournament - a reversal of the 3.5 from 20 which they scored in the first round of the zonal!

The second round was equally tense, and after scoring 15 from 20, Sussex's lead had narrowed to half a point ahead of Richmond, with Wey Vally only another 1.5 points behind.  A medal position looked possible, but the team had to hold their nerve going into the third and final round.  The decision was taken that no player should accept a draw, but should fight each game to the bitter end.

Parents started totting up the scores as the players re-appeared, and as the seventh player emerged, we had not lost a point.  The form continued and the excitement rose, until 18 players had left the playing hall having won every single game, and Sussex had secured victory.  Only boards 1 and 2 were left playing, both having been offered a draw by their opponents.  However, they had no idea of the success that had gone ahead of them, and both fought bravely to the end.

Sussex eventually won the tournament by four clear points - an amazing win, and undoubtedly the first time a team has won the tournament having failed to qualify.  Well done to all of the team, and to the 11 reserves who turned out on the day to support them.

U11 Team Back in Final

Following the withdrawal of a venue for the U11 Final, which was due to be in Lancashire, Sussex will be hosting the event at Warden Park School, Cuckfield on 8 May.  As hosts, Sussex are automatically eligible to take part.  This is a reprieve for the team, who had failed to get focussed for the first round of the zonals, and an opportunity to show the strength of our team.  Good luck U11s. 

U11 Zonal (20 March 2004)

Sussex's best U11 team failed to qualify for the final after an unexpected and disastrous first round in the competition in which they scored on 3.5 out of 20 points.  Despite a valliant fight back, including the last game of the match from David Grant against Shiela Dines which David managed to turn from a certain draw to a win, the team failed to make up the huge deficit, missing out on a place in the final by only 1 points.