Smart moves propel Howell’s chess teams to national finals

Two chess teams from Howell’s School, Llandaff, have reached the final of a prestigious national chess competition.The teams secured their final places during the Southern semi-finals of the English Chess Federation National Schools Girls Chess Championships, which were held on Sunday 15th January at St Catherine’s School in Bramley, Surrey.

The team from Howell’s won the under 19s section last year, so the pressure was on for the girls to defend their title.The U19 Howell’s A team (Alyssa W in Year 12, Shayanna S in Year 9, Venetia S in Year 7) won the semi-finals a point ahead of North London Collegiate and Nonsuch School – both very strong chess playing schools that also count England internationals in their chess squads, and the U19 Howell’s B team (Susie F in Year 7, Neya G in Year 9, Emily W in Year 8) came 5th, only half a point behind St Paul’s School.

Both teams can now look forward to the finals in Bramley in April.