Chess Competition – Cubs

The annual District Chess Competition was added to the Cub programme in 1974, with the inaugural event being held on the Saturday 19th January at Finchley Lodge, the District Headquarters.

23 Cubs entered the competition which was organised by Geoff Wright, a District Cub Scout Leader and won by Jeremy Winston of the 11th Golders Green. Finchley Chess Club kindly provided the chess sets and technical assistance was given by Norman Lacey, the District Chairman.

Jeremy beat Paul Bhatia (22nd Finchley) in the final and Andrew Cleveland (1st Golders Green) defeated Steven Poulson (4th Friern Barnet) for third place.

By the time of the 1975 competition a trophy, in the form of a large chess pawn, had been carved and presented to the District by Alan Fensome, the 15th Finchley Group Leader.

Boys from 13 Packs entered and during the afternoon of the competition the best 16 Cubs entered the final stages. Jeremy Winston (11th Golders Green), winner of the 1974 competition easily managed to get to the semi-finals but was beaten by Bruce McDonald (6th Friern Barnet). In the other semi-final Martin Black (11th Golders Green) beat Vincent Pereczes (22nd Finchley).

In the final Bruce beat Martin in what was described as a nail-biting finish. He was duly presented with The Fensome Trophy by Barbara Warren, ADC (Cub Scouts).

In 1976 32 Cubs entered the competition which was won by 9 year old Hugh Evans. Hugh, from the 21st Finchley beat Hugh Greany (10th Finchley) in the final. A year later, Hugh Evans was again the champion. However, on this occasion, his victory over Simon Wallace (2nd Friern Barnet) in the final match was only confirmed by Norman Lacey, the adjudicator, who had to deliberate on an uncompleted game.

Mark Hayward of the 21st Finchley was expected to be crowned champion in 1978, having won his previous 5 matches during the tournament, but things did not go his way in the final. The surprise winner, as described by the local press, was Nicholas Arvanitis of the 8th Golders Green. The competition had again proved very popular with 24 boys taking part.

34 Cubs representing 16 Packs entered the 1979 competition which was won by Michael Savage of the 2nd Friern Barnet. Michael won all six of his matches and was presented with The Fensome Trophy by Norman Lacey, who in addition to being the District Chairman and adjudicator was also the president of the Finchley Chess Club.

Unfortunately we have not been able to find any press reports after 1979 to add to those in the Gallery (click here). We are though able to provide, in the table below, some information about later competitions.

District Chess Champions

Year Winner Group Runner-up Group
1974 Jeremy Winston 11th GG Paul Bhatia 22nd Fin
1975 Bruce McDonald 6th FB Martin Black 11th GG
1976 Hugh Evans 21st Fin Hugh Greany 10th Fin
1977 Hugh Evans 21st Fin Simon Wallace 2nd FB
1978 Nicholas Arvanitis 8th GG Mark Hayward 21st Fin
1979 Michael Savage 2nd FB Timothy Chambers 15th Fin
1980 William Kane 21st Fin
1981 David Tate 3rd GG Mathew Regan 10th Fin
1982 ? ?
1983 Roger Gallucci 12th Fin
1984 Alessandro Romanin 3rd GG
1985 ? ?
1986 ? ?
1987 S Wragg 3rd FB
1988 M Siew 3rd GG
1989 ? 8th GG
1990 ? 11th Fin
1991 ? ?
1992 ? ?
1993 Toni Nicol 11th Fin
1994 Zac Silk 3rd FB
1995 ? 3rd FB
1996 ? 20th Fin
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Our Patron, HM King Charles III