The Milford School Chess Club travelled to Palmerston North on the first weekend of the school holidays to compete in the New Zealand Primary finals. There were about 28 other primary schools who entered.

On Saturday the children played 5 rounds - some of their games lasting over an hour, so they were pretty tired at the end of the day. We were in second place at the end of the first day. On Sunday morning, there were two more rounds and at the end of play Milford Primary were announced winners - the first time since 2010.

I cannot commend Jack, Bevis, Emily, Peter and Isaac enough for the way they conducted themselves over the weekend. Their commitment and perseverance paid off. Also I would like to acknowledge and thank the parents who took the time and arranged their own travel and accommodation costs to support their children.

It was wonderful to be there and share their great success. Well done to you all.