The Northamptonshire Schools’ Chess Association hosted the County Championships at the Obelisk Centre in Northampton at the weekend. Led by chess coach Geoff Crook, nine pupils from Oundle School and five pupils from Laxton Junior School provided strong competition in a field of 125 participants from across the county.
With only a brief break for lunch, each competitor played six rounds, and was allowed twenty minutes for all moves. Trophies, shields or medals were awarded to the first and second-placed player in each section, and the delegation from Oundle returned home with multiple honours, reflecting the high standard of chess played across the schools.
Sam (G) was U18 winner, despite having missed the sixth round when he had to return to School for the Part Song, and Freddie (L) was U18 runner-up. George (Sco) won the U12 section and Hugo (LJS) was U10 winner.
