With a lead of 55.5 VPs and only two rounds to play, Poland are already assured of the Schools title for the third championship in succession and the fourth time out of five (they were only second in 2002). Congratulations to Poland, who were clearly the class team in the field. The battle for the other medals is really hotting up, however. Poland have 279 VPs and are followed by Bulgaria 223.5, France 213, Netherlands 212, England 211, Norway 209, Sweden 208 and Germany 205.5. Everyone has their own personal and team goals at any championship – we cannot all be champions – so may we congratulate Wales, who achieved their best result to date when they scored 6 VPs against second-placed Bulgaria.

The Netherlands have taken over the lead in the Junior Championship and need only 9 VPs from their final match against Norway tomorrow. Mind you, Norway is a tough team and there can be no guarantee of achieving that target, and we can be sure that Italy will be going all out for a maximum win against Scotland. Netherlands have 401.5 VPs, Italy 385, Poland 374, Norway 360, Germany 351, Denmark 346, France 330 and Russia 324.5