In the British Rapidplay chess competition in Leeds
over the weekend of 23/24 November, Third Form (Year 9) Oundle School pupil and resident of Barnwell near Oundle, Sam Herring (13) scored 7.5/11, gaining his second ‘half norm’ and thus qualifying as a member of the National Junior Squad. He also won a grading prize, coming joint 5th in his section.
At the end of June, Sam won the U14 section of the SAAFA County Congress and the U14 County Grand Prix. A couple of weeks into the summer holiday, Sam was also called up to play for England in the Robinson Cup – the U14 home nations, against Scotland, Wales and Ireland. England came 3rd but only missed out on 1st place by 2.5 points.
In late July, Sam participated in the U13 British Championships in North Shields where he scored 4/7. This result gave him his first 'half-norm'. In August, he took part in an U13 tournament in Oldham where he came 2nd. At the Cambridge Rapidplay in late October, Sam won a grading prize and shared the Junior prize, scoring 3.5/5.
The School Chess Team currently lies second in Division Two of the Northamptonshire Chess League known as the ‘Silver King’ and play teams of adults. They field a team consisting of only one adult (either Tim Herring (Sam’s father) or coach, Geoff Crook) and the rest are pupils.
Oundle’s Chess coach, Geoff Crook commented, “Sam continues to excel not only in tournaments, but also playing in the Oundle School chess team, for which he has now been promoted to play top board. His hard work and study of the game is really bearing fruit and his inclusion in the National Squad is just reward for his effort.”
Sam started playing chess in Year Six at Laxton Junior School where there is a flourishing programme of chess clubs led by teacher Graham Trotter, who encourages pupils to participate in competitions at regional and national levels. Geoff, who teaches chess at both Laxton Junior School and Oundle School added, "Sam's success has been helped by the joint chess initiative that has been set up between both schools and we hope for more chess champions to follow in Sam's footsteps."
Sam commented, "I am delighted to have a gained a place in the National Squad and I look forward to playing for my country in the New Year".
This coming weekend, Sam is playing for the Midlands against Scotland, Wales and the North in a two day tournament in Liverpool followed by the London Junior Chess Championships in mid December.