Over fifty local children took part in the second round of the Newark primary schools chess competition held at Donald Bailey academy. Seven schools entered thirteen teams into this round: Holy Trinity (three teams); Barnby Road, Donald Bailey, Highfields, and Sutton on Trent (two teams each); John Blow Collingham and Farndon (one team each).
The thirteen teams each comprised four players and each child played three games during the afternoon against different teams in a jamboree format.
Ten children won all three games – a player each from Barnby Road, Donald Bailey and Highfields, two from Farndon and five from Sutton on Trent. These children were presented with medals by Sarah Allen from the competition’s sponsors Tallents Solicitors.
The competition, which has been running since the 2008-09 school year, challenges children to maintain concentration, to think ahead, work out a strategy, and have respect for rules. The first round of this year’s competition was held in November when last year’s winners Sutton on Trent made a strong start with their A team in first place with 10.5 points from their 12 games and the B team in second place with 10 points. The school consolidated their position with the A team scoring 11 points and the B team 8 points in the second round. Highfields A team performed very well, and with their 9 points they jumped into third place with 15.5 points overall. Holy Trinity A are in fourth place with 14 points.
The third and final round will take place on 20th May at Holy Trinity school when the points scored in that round will be added to the current cumulative totals to produce winners and second and third places.