Chess Notes 25/12/2003

Winston

On Wednesday 17th, Winston travelled to Fisherwick for a difficult fixture. Both regular top boards were unavailable so a weakened team faced the strongest team, by far, in Division 2. Best not to dwell too long on an unequal match. It was a whitewash, with Fisherwick claiming maximum 7 points.

Templar

Templar finished their 2003 campaign with a fiercly contested match against visitors, Hillsborough.

Martin Moorcroft defended on board 1. Against a conservative opening, Martin challenged aggressively forcing a quick draw with White gaining no advantage after 16 moves.

Board 2, Michael McKimm played white. Black launched a massive pawn attack down the Queen's side and Michael looked doomed. But he fought on and managed to recover only to lose in the last moments of the game.

David Grzymek, has been in good form from the start of the season with a clean sheet so far. Tonight was another victory giving David 5 wins from 5 games and now playing on board 3. If he keeps form into next year, David looks a certainty for a board prize at the end of the season.

Philip Todd on board 4 as White took on a familiar advesary; Philips recent record against the Hillsborough captain has not been good but tonight he turned the tables to claim a convincing win when Black blundered a Rook.

Drew Ferguson defended with an unorthodox formation but found a weakness on the King's side. Launching a sudden attack with a Queen and a pair of Knights, White was in serious trouble. Drew missed a clear mating opportunity but nonetheless finished the game in style picking off pieces at will forcing a resignation just before Drew's flag fell.