Chess

Chess at Clifton is gaining momentum. Our players have had a few opportunities to compete against local schools. We have participated in tournaments against Cordwalles, Cowan House, Howick Prep and Laddsworth.  We hosted Cowan House at Clifton on the 29th April. The children are showing wonderful diligence and passion for the game and their game strategies are becoming quite hard to beat.

John Bubb (Grade 4) and Bastian Nicolson (Grade 6) were chosen to represent Clifton at the annual Midlands Chess Championships held at Cordwalles on the 10th June. The Swiss chess format was played and they each played five games. Each game was twenty minutes long and they used a chess clock for the first time in competition. Twelve local schools participated, including Clifton. Bastian won two of his games, and his other games were very closely contested. John won all five of his games and received the Junior Chess Champion trophy. John was the only child at the tournament to win all his games. We are immensely proud of Bastian and John for their skill, courage and sportsmanship. This is the second year in a row that Clifton has returned from the Championships with a trophy.

A highlight this term has been the interest our youngest chess players have shown for the game. The Junior Primary children have a dedicated “Chess Club”, every Friday afternoon from 12:30 until 1:30pm. The children range in ability levels. Beginners and those more advanced in their skills and strategies have participated.

We are proud of all our children who have attended weekly practices, JP Chess club and tournaments. They are all Champions of the game.