SCCU U18 Jamboree, Wallington, Surrey - 29th March 2009

Last Sunday the older members of Sussex Junior Chess were involved in the U18’s Southern County Chess Union Jamboree two events at Wallington, Surrey. The event was organised into two sections; the Open (8 Boards, 4 Teams), & the Minor (6 Boards, 6 Teams).

Sussex finished a very creditable 2nd in the Open, and 4th in the Minor.

Everybody arrived on time, even a guest appearance from Trevor, on his way up to the Boat Race. (Web Editor's note - I can't imagine why he chose Wallington and the boat race above supporting the U11 girls team in Bolton!)

The first round started about 10 minutes later than scheduled. As our players returned our Minors were struggling against the might of Surrey (A). We ended Round 1 with 1.5pts out of 6; Surrey (A) achieved a clean sweep 6pts out of 6.

In the Open Event things were looking better. We finished Round 1 2nd with 5pts out of 8; Surrey taking 1st place with 6.5pts out of 8.

Round 2 began despite a very short break for Ram Mohan just finishing Round 1. Things improved with several draws in the Minor Event and ended the Round 2.5pts out of 6, finishing on 4pts in 4th place equal; Surrey (A) maintaining 100% record 6pts of 6, winning the event.

Well done to Amy Hoare and Daryl Brooks who were not beaten on the day, also a special mention to James Falvey although losing his last game put up a tremendous fight against a much stronger opponent.

Final Positions in Minors: 1st Surrey (A) 12pts, 2nd CCF (A) 7.5pts, 3rd Surrey (B) 6pts, 4th Equal Sussex & Kent 4pts, 5th CCF (B) 2.5pts.

In the Open event, although picking up 0.5pt from Surrey, we achieved 5pts out of 8, finishing 2nd with 10pts to Surrey in 1st place 11pts. Well done to George Salimbeni, David Grant, Rhys Cumming, Matthew Payne and Shyam Mohan; all unbeaten on the day.

Final Positions Open: 1st Surrey 11pts, 2nd Sussex 10pts, 3rd Kent 7.5pts, 4th Bucks 3.5pts

Thanks to Neil Cooper who organized the event.

Andy Payne (Team Manager)