21 May: Yesterday at the Elstead Hotel, Bournemouth, Highcliffe School defeated Poole Grammar 9.5-8.5 in a close and exciting final.

Eric Sachs, who organised this Inter-Schools competition reports:

“I thought the competition went really well & was matched by the quality of some of the games.

It was a sort of David & Goliath match in respect of the big age advantage for Highcliffe. Highcliffe played really well & congratulations to them on retaining the trophy, however Poole hung in there over the three rounds and recovered the 3 point deficit to only concede defeat in the last game of the final round.

I was very proud of all the juniors that took part and competed seriously with enthusiasm and purpose

Ultimately playing chess was the winner for all junior  players that entered including schools from Bournemouth Grammar School for Boys and Lytchett Minster.

Special thanks to Bryan Lose from Highcliffe and Dr Keith Noble from Poole for bringing the teams and supporting chess”.

pictured the winning Highcliffe School with Bryan Lose, the inspiration behind the highly successful chess club at the school.