EPSCA U9 Championships
The English Primary Schools' Chess Association (EPSCA) exists "to advance the education of primary school aged children by teaching, supervising and developing the playing of chess by those children."
E.P.S.C.A. holds three annual team championships for member associations - Under 9, Under 11, and Girls Under 11.
The U9 Championship is for teams of 12, plus 4 reserves. The Championships have two stages; heats (known as zones), followed by the final. To prepare the players, Sussex U9s usually compete in a local "4-Counties match" kindly organised by Berkshire, before the zonal stage.
4-Counties Match - 24th January 2010 - Thatcham
On Sunday 24th January, the Sussex Junior Chess under 9 team travelled to Thatcham, near Newbury for the traditional "4-Counties Match". This event is excellent preparation for the qualifying round (March 13th at Leatherhead) and the final which this year is being hosted by SJC on April 24th at Cuckfield.
We are very grateful to Nigel Dennis and Berkshire who host these events which give a chance for the players to gain valuable experience. Thanks also to Oxford who provided additional players and generously shared them with Hampshire, ensuring all our players got games.
We are very lucky to have a wealth of talent in this age group and selecting the side had proved very difficult. However, although strong, it was very inexperienced – half of the team being under 8s and only 5 with any previous county match experience. However, Hannah, Freya and Cassie were warmed-up from their successful outing to Reading the previous week in the U11 girls championship.
The event was a resounding success for Sussex!
|
Round 1 |
Round 2 |
Round 3 |
Total |
Sussex |
12 |
9 |
9 |
30 |
Oxford |
6 |
9 |
3 |
18 |
Berkshire |
6 |
3 |
7.5 |
16.5 |
Hampshire |
0 |
3 |
4.5 |
7.5 |
In the first round we were up against a depleted Hampshire side and the coach watched with great pride as the team bashed out win after win. It was great to see all the players focus on the basics of development; castling and then attack.
Round 2 and we were facing Berkshire whose strength at the top meant the first 6 boards were shared 3-3. However, the Sussex strength in depth told as we won all the lower boards which was fantastic. Our 4 reserve boards from the first round had all come into the main side and won – brilliant!
In the last round we just had to guard against complacency and did so effectively – it was a kind of mirror image of round 2 with Oxford matching us in depth and holding us on the lower boards but this time our top 8 boards all won!
Incredibly, no less than 8 Sussex players came away with maximum scores – very well done to Brian, Freddie C, Hamish, Indie, Joseph, Poppy, Scott and Thomas. However, the standard of play and concentration was high from everyone.
Full results can be found on the Berkshire Junior Chess website.
Congratulations to the team:
Joseph Allin, Scott Borland, Freddie Coleman, Thomas Finn, Freya Finnegan, Matthew Forster, Daniel Gooda, Cassie Graham, Poppy Haward, Oli Howell, Jamie Lear, Hamish Milne-Skilman, Freddie Smith, Hannah Sutton, Brian Tarhon, Indie Udsholt-Clayton.
Many thanks to U9 Team Co-ordinators Team Finnegan (I had to say that - but it was all Victoria's work really) who coped seamlessly with the weather induced cancellation and the re-arrangements for the 24th. The team looked great in their new, bright blue SJC tops and proudly displayed their new Under 9 badges - a great idea from the Finnegans.
Thanks to Oli’s dad who stepped in and averted a clock crisis (there weren’t any!) in the first round – we won't enquire further as to what kind of sad person carries around a supply of chess clocks in the back of their car.
In conclusion, a really enjoyable day out and terrific preparation for the zonal where the side will be further strengthened with Edward’s return. Competition for places will be hotter than ever so keep practicing guys! Another difficult selection meeting awaits the coaches in March, but it is a great problem to have.
Please note that questions, or feedback on the day are always welcome - Contact Us.