Sussex Closed Girl's U11, U14, U18 Championships, Fonthill Lodge School, 6th December 2009

Another Sussex Sunday dawned with torrential rain and flooded roads. Despite this, girl's chess is thriving in Sussex with very nearly 40 entrants to the prestigious annual championship. Special thanks to Ashdown House School and Burgess Hill School for Girls for enthusiastically supporting the event by sending large and cheerful teams. Particular mention should also be made of the committment of Hannah Watkinson and Iona Rose (and their parents!) - both girls had travelled to Winchester the previous day representing the County in an SCCU U14 match against Hampshire.

The school team event was also hotly contested - only 2.5 points separated the top 4 teams. Commiserations to the 4-strong Copthorne Prep team who came equal 3rd on points, just losing out on tiebreak. It should be noted that 2 of their players were U7 and 3 of their players were from the same family!

Sussex does seem to have some amazing chess dynasties - Cosima Keen, U11 champion, is the third from her family to achieve at chess to a high level; Copthorne Prep field three Finnegan sisters, all under 9; while Brighton College boast the awesome O'Nunain triplets!

There was an excellent cammaraderie between the girls - established friendships were challenged over the board and survived. Teams supported each other with hugs of congratulation and commiseration.

Many thanks to Fonthill Lodge School and Helen Schortz for providing an excellent venue - the children benefited from access to the outdoor area between rounds; although many parents, myself included, will be pouring copious amounts of Persil into the washing machine. Thanks also to Helen, a chess supporter over many years, for running the Christmas party games.

Finally, thanks to the tournament team - Sue Howell, Iain Rose and trainee Will Graham on pairing, plus arbiters Brian Stockham and Tim Woods.

Catering was held together admirably by a very stretched Kate Lavender, supported by Margaret Burch, Mike Ralph, and Derek Ferguson. Many thanks to all those who contributed to the fantastic party food.

Click HERE for a photo gallery from the event.