Schools battle to be chess champions

A team from Barnby Road Academy, Newark, won the second round of a chess competition.

Forty-eight children took part in the contest, which was open to all primary schools from the district.

They played in 12 teams of four with each child playing three games.

The contest was held at John Blow Primary School, Collingham, whose pupils were among the competitors.

The other schools taking part were Highfields and Holy Trinity Catholic Academy, both in Newark, and Sutton-on-Trent primary.

Barnby Road A scored 9½ points from 12 games followed by Highfields A on nine. Four teams — Barnby Road B, John Blow A, Holy Trinity A and Sutton-on-Trent A — each scored eight points.

The organiser, Mr Graham Ladds, said the standard of chess was good with many keenly contested games.

The scores will be added to the first round, which was held in November.

Highfields A are currently in the lead with John Blow second and Sutton-on-Trent third.

The final round will be held in the summer term to decide the overall winner.

The competition is sponsored by Tallents Solicitors, Newark, who have been involved since the event started in 2008.