A spectacular and entertaining afternoon of Chess, writes Martin Jones.
Ten young players travelled to the Cadoxton Communitty Centre on Thursday (29/05) for a return match with Castell Nedd having come down last year. The standard of play throughout was excellent, especially on the top few boards. Big thank you to all the parents who drove on the day.
Each player had 4 games against different opponents or with different colours.
The younger and less experienced players on the bottom 4 boards for Pembrokeshire were certainly up against some more experienced players but there were great wins for Ethan and Leon. Blake and Matvii gave 100% again against tough opposition.
Suki on board 6 showed her attacking flair winning 2 of her 4 games.
Castell Nedds top order some graded between 1300-1400 including their Under 11 club Champion Advik provided stiff opposition for the Pembrokeshire Top Order. However, all the Pembrokeshire players have developed really well and we actually edged the top 5 boards by 10.5 to 9.5, however Castell Nedd ran out winners on the day by three games to one. Their plays have benefited with games in the West Wales Chess Association minor league. In most games a move either way would have decided the match.
Special mention must be made of Sebastian and Osian, new to the club and one to watch won 3 out of their 4 games, Jude with 2 wins and a draw and Harry with two wins. Young Joe Othen Under 8 playing on Board 1 & 2 won one and drew against the impressive Vikktoria.
The game of the day without a doubt was Harry v Vikktoria, for the purist this included pins, Skewers, discovered checks and some great tenacity by Vikktoria to find her way through these complications. Whilst Harry lost an epic encounter, both coaches were delighted with the standard of play. Harry did have a winning move but credit to Vikktoria who ended the day undefeated with two wins and two draws.
I am very pleased with the development of everyone who played today and a number who could not make yesterdays game.
Credit must be given to Hywel and Martyn Griffiths for the warm welcome to all and to the refreshments provided. This will know be an annual fixture and we look forward to welcoming Castell Nedd to Pembrokeshire next year. Afternoons and matches like this are a fantastic advert for Junior Chess.
Pembrokeshire Junior Chess will now enter its summer recess starting again in late August beginning of September. If anybody is interested in playing chess please contact our Facebook Page.
Pembrokeshire Chess Club
Pictured are
Pembrokeshire team from Left to Right.
Back Row
Blake Macdonald - Milford Haven Community School
Suki Rose Heulwen - Ysgol Bro Penfro
Osian Griffiths - Ysgol Caer Elin
Leon Shum - Ysgol Greenhill
Harry Harling - Cosheston Church In Wales School
Front Row
Joe Othen - Home Schooled
Ethan Davies - Broad Haven CP School
Sebastian Kummer - Neyland Community School
Matvii Maceac - Ysgol Glanna Gwaun
Jude Taylor - St Marks Primary School
Photo Gallery (click to view in full)
