Report on Mayor of Bournemouth Schools Chess League
Finals 28 March 2012 at Highcliffe Marriott Hotel
The finals were held in the excellent venue at Highcliffe Marriott Hotel. The senior final was between Portchester and BournemouthSchool for Boys ( as it has been for all 4 years of this competition ). The Primary School final was between Baden Powell ( from Poole ) and St Michaels.
The finals were attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth, Councillor & Mrs Chris Rochester and by Sir George Meyrick. There were also plenty of parents, family and teachers in attendance.
In the Senior final BournemouthSchool for Boys were too strong for Portchester winning the first round 3 v 1 and the second 3.5 to 0.5. These 2 schools have now won the trophy 2 times each and will both be looking to win for the 3rd time next year. There were also an individual prize and in the last round players with the most points were paired up with Alex O’Neill playing Callum Doogue. Alex won the match and the book prize. It is hope that next year more senior schools will be involved.
In the final between Baden Powell and St Michaels which was the best of 3 matches over 4 boards the first 2 matches were drawn meaning all was down to the final round. The players were moved around putting the top scoring players on board 1. Twezhel Gurdji won a queen early on for a couple of pieces and despite pressure from Harry Shaw managed to hang on for a win. The bottom 2 boards were both won by St Michaels. The final therefore depended on the last match which gave a very exciting finish. Charlie Bowdler for Baden Powell played a very good game against James Leaver and had control when the game had to be adjudicated in his favour. This resulted in another drawn match and was decided that the trophy was to be shared.
The trophies were all presented to the schools by Sir George Meyrick and The Mayor of Bournemouth. The individual prizes were presented to Twezhel Gurdji of Baden-Powell and Alex O’Neill of BSB. The girls prize was won by Abbie Quarrie of St Marks.
The final and throughout the competition were very enjoyable for the competitors and all those involved . I would like to thank Eric Sachs, Chris Ambrose and all teachers and parents helping out during the tournament. We hope that can be expanded next year as the chess competition is beneficial for all involved. All the results and reports will be put on the Dorset Chess website : dorsetchess.org.uk
Ian Clark
Bournemouth & District Chess League Junior Chess Officer