The annual SCCU Jamborees were held a little closer to home this year than hitherto. Essex players have previously needed to trek across north London to Wembley Park, but this year were held at Wanstead House, on Saturday 18 April 2026.
The U2050 Jamboree, over 10 boards, was once again a straight match between Essex and Middlesex; no other counties were minded to enter. So Essex and Middlesex had their third encounter of the season at this level and Essex completed a clean sweep by 6½-3½. Skipper Michael Spurr now added to the SCCU U2050 Championship trophy the intriguingly named “Beer Pump” trophy. This, despite its name, is not actually a beer pump, it just resmbles a beer pump, so no matter how hard you pull it, it’s as dry as a bone. But, to paraphrase Charles Dickens, the wisdom of our ancestors is in the similie; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it or the SCCU is done for!
The U1825 Jamboree was, by contrast, a true Jamboree, with seven teams, playing over six boards. Having said that, however, there were only three counties represented: Surrey with one team, Kent with four teams and Essex with two teams. The single Surrey team came out on top with 4 points, followed by the four Kent teams – Kent Keevil and Kent Steele 3½; Kent Bond 3; Kent Haddrell 2½ and it will not take any effort of logic to work out that the Essex teams brought up the rear, with Essex 2 finishing with 2½ and Essex 1, 2. In fact, only one win was recorded by the Essex teams, that being the win by George Scola. Otherwise, Essex 2 added three draws and Essex 1 scored four draws.
Full details on Chess-Results.com When you get to the match details, select “Beer Pump” or “John Philpott” as the ‘Tournament selection’. Having selected the section, the two most meaningful lists are ‘Team composition with round results’ and the Board pairings: “R1/1”. Finally, the Team Raning list shows the teams in finishing order and individual scores. From the latter, you may note that no Board 6 player won a game; how can this be?
SCCU Jamboree Gallery
All pictures: Mark Murrell
Note: First time through, the pictures may appear not to load, simply click or tap in the space between the left and right arrows to force the image to show. Next time through pictures should show automatically. Captions beneath.
The John Philpott Trophy, U1825 Jamboree U2050 (“Beer Pump” trophy in foreground) U2050 U2050 with Essex Skipper Michael Spurr taking stock Essex U1825 skip, Alan Riddoch (right) U1825 lower boards U1825 middle boards U1825 U1825 upper boards U1825 upper boards U2050 presentation, Essex Skip Michael Spurr (left) receives the “Beer Pump” trophy from SCCU Secretary, Chris Bernard.
