Chess Finals

The English Primary Schools Chess Association Finals were held on July 3rd-4th in Brean (3 hours west of London on the coast).  Ryan's team was in the top 8 teams across England to advance out of 109 schools that qualified for the semi-finals ("Under 9").  Interestingly, most of the schools in his age group were from London.  UCS finished 6th and Ryan won 50% of his matches.  He was the only member of his team to beat his opponent from the school that won the overall championship.

It was a dreary and rainy couple of days, but the boys had a great time.  Ryan missed the last day of school yesterday, which meant he missed prize giving day.  He found out that he won the academic award for his form (class) which goes to the  boy with top academic marks for the year.  His prize was a book.  All-in-all it was a good way to end the school year.  Now summer can begin...if only the weather would improve!

Ryan with award

UCS "A Team" - Solal, Tim, Jazel, Ryan and Tim (and Sheila the chess coach)

Ryan and Solal get a little iPad time between matches

Village of Lympsham - Beautiful pink hydrangeas

View from our B&B - Burton Row Farmhouse (note ducks)

Tired of the rain

Round 7 - Ryan is at the end (to the left of the guy leaning over).  Strangely, they had individual chess lamps for each board.