Sweat beading. Fingers trembling. Eyes fixated on boards. Pieces toppling, the opponent’s face growing whiter. Can you win?
The local heats of the Interschool Chess Challenge, held in Burwood, was a stunning affair. Fourteen schools. A hundred and two kids. Seven rounds. Only three teams could progress to regionals. Only one team could win.
Alec, Avery, Darcy and Miles were there representing Stanmore PS. A small school contingent amongst kids from across Sydney; from North Parramatta, to Bexley and Alexandria.
As we entered the final rounds, the room was buzzing with excited chatter. Three teams were clearly battling it out for third. The difference between third, fourth and fifth was tiny.
Sadly, Stanmore placed fourth behind Summer Hill, The King’s School and St Mary & St Mina’s Orthodox Coptic College.
We were pretty happy with our result and there is always next year, when we hope to come back bigger and better.
Stanmore PS Chess Club, after-school Tuesdays.
