A Boys’ Brigade chess team from 1^st Bearsden Company has made all the right moves as they took home first prize at the Brigade Chess Finals.

BB teams made up of members from 7^th Edinburgh, 1^st Bearsden, 1^st Ardshaw and 1^st Cheslyn Hay Companies used skills, commitment and concentration in order to make it through the regional heats and compete in the finals at Middle Parish Church Halls in Coatbridge on Saturday 25 March.

But it was John McEwan, Alistair Ramsey and Fergus Hempel from 1^st Bearsden that beat off the competition to be crowned overall winners following at tie-break with 1^st Cheslyn Hay.

John McEwan, 17, said:

“It was an incredibly competitive tournament. For a sport that is often considered ‘boring’, it was great to see the spectators fully engaged and I highly doubt they would have described the chess games in this way. Despite the inevitable high stakes, the tournament was conducted in a friendly manner and was thoroughly enjoyable. My only regret is not competing in previous years.”

Fergus Hempel, 16, said:

“It was a very tense few games but we held our nerve. I’m really pleased we won – it was the first Scottish and UK championship for our company.

“It was a great experience to be part of and I’m looking forward to coming back next year.”

Fulton MacGregor MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston visited the groups during the competition with Rev Derek Gunn conducting the opening devotions.

Bill Stevenson, brigade Secretary and Alistair Burrow, Vice President and BB officer with 1^st Bearsden were also in attendance during the finals.

Graham Sharp, captain of 1^st Bearsden, added:

“I’m absolutely delighted for John, Alistair and Fergus. The competition started back in October and since then they’ve been taking each round as it comes. The guys were ecstatic about reaching the Scottish finals and elated when they won it.

“To be crowned UK champions is a phenomenal achievement. I’ve been heartened by the support and encouragement the other Boys in the Company have shown to the team on their way to securing the 1st Bearsden’s first ever success in a national competition.”

1^st Cheslyn Hay were runners up, 3^rd place was 1^st Ardshaw from Northern Ireland and 7^th Edinburgh took 4^th place.

Along with Chess, there are national competitions in: Table-tennis, Masterteam, Badminton and Five-aside Football.

Learn more here.

Tags: national competitions