PEMBROKESHIRE Chess Club welcomed Castell Nedd Chess Club to Steynton for an annual fixture, the standard of play increasing each year.

Despite being on a short summer break with School holidays, The Royal Welsh Show and a casualty or two on the day, 15 youngsters turned out to play, learn and enjoy the game.

As usual, the games were nip and tuck with some small margins in a number of games especially the top few boards. Most games could have gone either way with the biggest learning point being to take your time and not to rush moves.

There were four matches with each player having 20 minutes on the clock. Special mention goes to Advik of Castell Nedd who remained undefeated with Harry, drawing one game with him and narrowly losing the second in a tight endgame. Arrus and Jakob also did well also in their games.

For Pembrokeshire, Henry Malone and Emily Thomas picked up 3 points; Jozef and Osian 2.5 with Sebastian 2 points. The games benefitted all players in their development. Over the years, home advantage has been key as it was again this year.

Castell Nedd Chess Team at Steynton, Pembrokeshire: Advik Ram, Aarush Ram, Jakob Josh-Wright,,Virat Nagari, William O'Connor, Oscar Purcell, Ethan Tirukoti, Misha Nigari and Cae Aubrey
Castell Nedd: Advik Ram, Aarush Ram, Jakob Josh-Wright, Virat Nagari, William O'Connor, Oscar Purcell, Ethan Tirukoti, Misha Nigari and Cae Aubrey (Pembrokeshire Chess Club)

The club thanks Castell Nedd for travelling to Pembrokeshire and to Hywel Griffiths for bringing them down west: “We hope Castell Nedd enjoyed their McDonald’s on the way home and we look forward to coming up next year.”

Pembrokeshire Chess Club played a friendly a few weeks ago with the newly reformed Narberth Chess club and their new adults and juniors had an opportunity to play different people - again to the benefit of everyone.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club has recently celebrated the 50th year since its inception.

It won’t be long before the club starts again after a well earned and deserved break with the season due to start in September. Any adults or juniors interested in joining this all-ability family-friendly club with excellent coaching are invited to message the club’s Facebook page or Contact Martin Jones on 07884 384131.