Keverel Chess

In 2011, after an absence of some years, Devon entered the National U-18 Team Championship. Even though they came last on that occasion, they were sufficiently encouraged to have another shot this year. The organiser, Trefor Thynne, has sent in this report on their experiences.

DEVON UNDER 18 TEAM IN ACTION AT ETON COLLEGE

ECF National Counties’ Under-18 Finals: 30th June 2012

Following last year’s successful experiment in entering a Devon team into this event, a real effort was made this year to turn out a stronger and more representative team. Although clearly not in the same league as the “big guns” from the South-East, the Devon boys put up a good showing in coming 10th out of 15 competing counties.

Although the bulk of the team came either from Torbay or Exeter with Torquay Boys’ Grammar School providing 6 players and the ex-Broadclyst Primary School contingent making up another 3, it was good to see a new face from North Devon, 17 year-old Arthur Rinvolucri who won both his games as did Jeffrey Leung of TBGS.

Another encouraging feature of the Devon team was the wide age spread with 4 boys in their final year at school or college balanced by 3 players under 12, including Theo Slade who has recently represented England in a tournament in the Czech Republic.

Devon’s individual results were as follows:-

It is certainly an event worth making the effort to attend and will prove to be valuable experience for those boys eligible for the team next year. The august surroundings of Eton College make an extra attraction for players and spectators alike. I am grateful to Dave Regis of Exeter CC who shared the minibus driving and team management with me and who will in due course provide annotations on all the Devon boys’games.

Trefor Thynne

8th July 2012