England ended the team competitions at the World Schools’ Championships in Malta with some positive performances, with only the boys’ national select team losing any games on day three.
The girls’ select had a morale-boosting victory over opponents Malta, beating the host country 7-0 without dropping an end. The team consisted of Charlotte Bardsley, Gauri Duhan, Kate Cheer and Jasmin Wong, coached by Kate Hughes, and this score meant they finished fifth overall.
The national boys’ select finished sixth overall after losing their final match 5-2 against India. Shayan Siraj and Joseph Hee picked up the two wins for England. However, coach Sam Perry was delighted with the effort and attitude of his team.
In the school teams, Whitgift for the boys and Charles Read for the girls both ended their competitions on a high. Whitgift built on their victory from the previous night by defeating Croatia 4-1 – an ironic win since Whitgift have a Croatian coach, Goran Maric. The four points were achieved by James Smith winning both his singles, supported by a win for George Hazell with Smith & Hazell achieving a rare but crucial doubles victory. This ensured Whitgift finished 13th from 18 countries.
Charles Read in the girls’ school competition were delighted to defeat both their day’s opponents 4-0 to match Whitgift’s achievement of finishing 13th. Their first opponents were Israel with Mollie Patterson, Darcie Proud and Danielle Kelly all achieving one win and the team securing the doubles. The same trio achieved the same result against Germany. However the games were closer than the score suggests.
The school’s fourth player Karrie Rogers joins the action on Friday in the individual competition. Coach Suzanne Airey was pleased with her team’s performance especially as they were three years younger than many of their opponents.
Thursday is a rest day from the action before the individual competition on Friday. This rest day comprises a visit to Valetta and an evening of cultural activity.