STRS took 2 teams to the Bristol qualification heat for the National School’s Chess Championships. Our 2^nd team did remarkably well to win 2 of their 3 matches and hence qualify for the knockout stages of this year’s competition. Their section was headed by 1^st teams from schools in Hereford and Cardiff, with STRS 2^nd team being one of the top B teams, coming ahead of a number of school A teams.

The STRS 1^st team played in a section for teams who have already qualified (we qualify due to our high finish in last season’s national finals). The A team were leading their competition after 2 rounds, but had a poor 3^rd round, and finished second.

It is a fantastic achievement to have 2 teams in the knockout stages of this year’s National Schools Chess Championships. It will be tough for our 2^nd team whoever they draw in round 1, and the 1^st team will have to improve if they are to match last year’s achievement of coming 12^th in the National Finals.

Pictured are the 2^nd team in a match against Hereford Cathedral School 1^st team.