On Sunday 10th October a team of nine girls from Burgess Hill School for Girls went to Forest Row to take part in the Under 18 Sussex Girls’ Chess Championship.
Everyone played five matches in total, competing against experienced players from a number of different schools in Sussex. The best three players’ scores from each school were compared, and the team from Burgess Hill School was delighted to win the competition.
The nine members of the team all received individual medals. Hannah Watkinson was the top player in the Under 18 section, and Eliza McHugh came second. Katie Lane and Georgina Scott-Picton came joint top of the Under 14 section. These four girls were all awarded individual trophies. Lauren Merry was placed third in the Under 14 section.
Four members of the team were Year 7 pupils who had not played in a chess competition before.
“The Chess competition was so much fun, although at first I was extremely nervous. However, I soon relaxed and had a marvellous time. It was comforting to have my friends for support and having breaks between matches when we could play together. I am very happy the team did well and a huge thank you to Mrs Woroniecki for arranging it all.” Jenny-Ming Box.
“This was my first chess competition and it was really exciting. I haven’t been playing chess for long but I’m really enjoying it. Going to chess club is fun!” Vicky Henderson.
“I recommend learning chess to everyone. It is a really fun game and I had a great time at the competition. It has definitely been one of the best things about Year 7 so far!” Tanith Davies
“This chess tournament was the first one I had been to. The mixture of different people there and the other players were quite challenging. I learnt some new techniques and really enjoyed it a lot.” Ellen Angell
The members of the Burgess Hill Team were: Ellen Angell, Tanith Davies, Vicky Henderson, Katie Lane, Eliza McHugh, Lauren Merry, Jenny-Ming Box, Georgina Scott-Picton and Hannah Watkinson.