It was a strategic battle like no other, but chess players from The Armidale School held their own against some of the best in the state at the regional finals of the NSW Junior Chess League in Parramatta on 9 November.
TAS, the northern division champions, faced off against the other regional winners in the titles. After defeating North Coast winners John Paul College from Coffs Harbour three boards to one, the TAS IV then had a 4-0 victory over Riverina title holders, Marian Catholic College from Griffith. It was a tougher round against Hunter Valley School of Performing Arts 0-4, before winning two of four boards against Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, Dubbo, then the top board, against against Smith Hill High School Woolongong saw Ali winning board one.
TAS came fourth in the titles, behind Macquarie Anglican Grammar of Dubbo and Hunter SPA in equal first, and Smiths Hill High School Wollongong, in third.
The tournament was a round robin-style competition played with clocks, which added an extra dimension of strategy to the game,” TAS chess coordinator Ms Catherine Boydell said.
“Our students enjoyed the fast format, and the opportunity to compete with some very good chess players from across the state.”
The TAS team included two Year 12 boys who have just completed their HSC and made their last appearance representing the school.
