A team of seven Year 8 pupils from Burgess Hill School for Girls competed in tough chess competitions against County and National players, and achieved third place.
The Under 18 Sussex Girls’ Chess Championship took place in East Grinstead on Sunday December 6th 2009 with teams playing five matches against a number of different schools in Sussex.
The organisers, Sussex Junior Chess, commented that the competition in the 11-18 section was the highest standard they had ever had, with experienced players taking part from more schools than usual.
The best three players’ scores from each school were compared, and the Burgess Hill School team was delighted to achieve third place in the whole of Sussex. All seven members received individual medals and in addition to this Hannah Watkinson came second in the Under 18 section and was awarded the best Under 14 trophy.
Hannah McLennan, Year 8, explained how she got involved. “About four weeks ago my friends and I joined the Chess Club at school. After about a week I had picked up the rules and strategies of the game. Soon after that I was asked if I would like to take part in the Sussex Girls’ Chess Championship.”
“I accepted, but was very nervous about taking part in a competition. We arrived at 10am, and were told how the day would go. We each played five games against different players. After each game my excitement grew, and by the fifth game I was buzzing! The whole day was great and it was a wonderful experience to be part of a team. Thank you to Mrs Woroniecki and Mrs Aughwane for their support!”
The team members were Sofia Hughes, Eliza McHugh, Hannah McLennan, Georgina Scott-Picton, Tara Springate, Emma Strang and Hannah Watkinson.
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| Chess Champions |
11/12/09
