THERE'S just no checking Durban High School's chess team. So far this season, the team has won every match in the Durban and Districts league.
Schools that make up the league include DHS, Glenwood High School, Northwood Boys, Westville Boys, Clifton College, Marist Brothers, Durban Girls’ High, New Forest, Ridge Park College and George Campbell.
The season runs from April to August, with schools playing every Friday afternoon.
On Friday, 4 August, the D&D finals were held at Glenwood High School with the top six schools doing battle for the D&D trophy. This clash started in DHS’s favour when they played against Westville Boys in the first round, beating them 6-4.
Despite the boys putting up a good fight and winning all their matches, the DHS team lost on game points to Northwood by just half a point – their only loss of the season.
Cayden Pather and Shivaan Devpruth in Grade 11, Thirushan Pather in Grade 10, Sashen Pather in Grade 9 and Sharik Ramjee in Grade 8 all played extremely well, showing strategy, problem solving skills and concentration.
At the end of the tournament Cayden Pather was awarded the category prize for Best 1500 rating in the Championship Section, Shivaan Devpruth tied for the best U18 player in the B Section and Sashen Pather won a bronze medal for placing 23rd in the Championship Section.
