VPHS Magazine 2014 | Page 152

VPHS Chess Back Row: Anrique Human; Nathan Watt; Matthew Watt; Chuma Dunjana; Middle Row: Pumela Peta; Nepo Ntsono; Deenolan Moodley; Axel Akeer Front Row: Alison Fillis; Mr Hüsselmann; Earl-Rae Hüsselmann (captain); Mr Wynford; Chris Mpasi outdoor board was available to the public and was manned by different members of the chess team. The year of 2014 will be a memorable one for the chess players. It was not an easy road but we have finally reached the end of the year. The trips away from home and the anxious waits for our opponents preceded an enjoyable game of chess, a game that challenges the will, mental capacity and outlandish strategy of each player. The chess team played 8 matches this year. We won 6, drew 1 and lost 1. The following are individual results of our matches: VP vs David Livingstone ( 6 – 1) VP vs Despatch High (5.5 – 1.5) VP vs Grey B ( 5 – 2) VP vs Lawson Brown (5 – 2) VP vs Loyiso High A ( 1 – 6) The chess team this year encountered tough opponents and we have unfortunately lost our undefeated record. The team never lost hope and always picked themselves up after a loss. I can say, from my perspective, that there was never a dull moment no matter what the outcome was, whether we won or lost. There was always a positive spirit after a match and the team as a whole always showed good sportsmanship toward opponents. This year has also lead us to joyous moments and one of the best highlights was the installation of our giant outdoor chess board in the Hollely quad. That lead to our school participating in several matches outdoors instead of the conventional playing in a classroom. During the Arts festival in May the 152