Lionesses go into the final 4NCL weekend with chance for promotion

Weekend 4 (of 5) of the 4NCL National Chess League in Daventry saw the She Plays To Win Lionesses A team secure two crucial victories in their quest for promotion to Division 1 next season.

A 5-3 win over the Greater Woodpushers team from Manchester on the Saturday, which involved teenager Ruqayyah securing a vital win in a wild game in the time scramble, was followed up by a tight 4.5-3.5 win over Crowthorne A from Sussex on the Sunday. Andreea won a long endgame after 3.5 hours to secure the match.

The Lionesses A are now 3rd in Division 2, but tied first equal on matchpoints. With the top 3 going up, the final weekend in May is going to decide with 3 teams will make it to Division 1, which contains the absolute strongest players in the UK.

There has never been a female only squad in the 4NCL in its 35 year history, let alone a female only squad to make it to Division 1. The girls are understandably excited but realise the final weekend over the May bank holiday weekend will be tough.

Division 2 standings (after round 8 of 11) https://www.4nclresults.co.uk/2025-26/media/4ncl/xtab-div2.html

Elsewhere, the 3 She Plays To Win teams in Division 4 In Coventry did well also. Special mention to teenager Diah, who despite being rated 1600 defeated 2 players over 300 rating points above her over the weekend.

She Plays To Win is proud to be giving these girls these opportunities to play, learn and benefit from chess. Socially as well as a team they are enjoying boosting the numbers of female players in what is a predominantly male arena.

Our thumbnail photo is of Eline Roebers, who made her debut for the Lionesses on top board. Eline is the 2026 European Women’s Blitz Champion and we were proud to have her join us!