News
A happy new year for Ballynafeigh 1
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 11) League leaders Ballynafeigh 1 got 2015 off to a good start as they duly defeated Bangor, extending their lead to 13 points as Lindores 1 had a free week. However, third-place Muldoons 1 kept the leaders within sight with a whitewash of Ballynafeigh 2.
Christmas Double for Horvath as he lands Williamson
The Williamson Shield was held on the weekend of 3rd and 4th January at the Maynard Sinclair Pavilion and saw 38 players contesting over two sections.
Muldooned to failure?
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 10) Muldoons' title ambitions suffered a hammer blow as they were easily seen off by leaders Ballynafeigh 1. Their second team fared little better, losing to Division 2 leaders Belfast South 2.
Lindores vs NICS
NICS decided to end 2014 with a BANG gathering themselves for a dominating attack on league challengers Lindores. Drafting in Peter May and David McAlister, the visitors expected great things of their line-up.
Schools Individual Ulster Champion crowned
Young Chess players gathered at Methodist College to play to be crowned an Ulster Champion.
Coffee-house men too hot to handle
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 9) For the first time in a long time, Lindores 1 look like a threat in the title race after a whitewash of Belfast South 1. Their second team were also victorious, narrowing the gap at the top of Division 2.
Just for Pun
After 2 encouraging results against Ballynafeigh 2 and Muldoon's 1, the "white van men" fell down to earth with an almighty bump last night against a team we previously beat 5.5-1.5 ! Meanwhile over at the Pavilion, Kelly's Heroes got a cool reception from NICS.
Poles Position
This season's NICS Grand Prix kicked off with their first Lackadaisical Rapidplay; 6 intense matches on Sunday afternoon. Great to see so many new faces and, as some wag noted, folks with strong links to Poland monopolised the honours!
The underdogs bite back
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 8) This week saw Ballynafeigh 1 and Belfast South 2 extend their leads in their respective divisions, but the big story was the success of Craig Kelly (895), Ross Smith (983) and Owen McEvoy (1066) against significantly higher-rated opposition.
Rookie Speaks Out
After losing 6-1 to Muldoon's last time around, Belfast South's A-Team played above their rankings. Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, Kelly's Heroes stride ahead in division 2 as the pun count rockets.
Ballynafeigh 1 power ahead
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 7) With one-third of the season gone, the league tables are beginning to take shape. Lindores 2 and Belfast South 2 are gearing up for a tight battle for the John Strawbridge Cup, while Ballynafeigh 1 are pulling away in the race for the Silver King.
Alan Burns Grand Prix
The Alan Burns Grand Prix series kicks-off on 14th December. Now in its second year, the Lackadaisical Rapidplays offer the chance for an excellent Sunday lunch followed by an afternoon of entertaining chess.
Williamson Shield
The Williamson Shield will this year be held in The Pavillion Sports Facility at Stormont Estate over the weekend of 3rd -4th January.
Omagh Rapidplay 2014
The Inaugural Omagh Rapidplay was held on Saturday 22nd November 2014 and was a fantastic weekend of chess for all involved.
Kelly's Heroes exact revenge
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 6) After their first team were whitewashed on Tuesday night by Ballynafeigh 1, their second team were pitted against Ballynafeigh 3 two nights later. They recorded an important win, but it wasn't enough to maintain their lead in Division 2 as Lindores 2 got a whitewash of their own against Ballynafeigh 5 to move into top spot.
Stormont Action
NICS entertained Muldoons on Thursday acting as hosts too for the Division 1 fixture between Lindores & Ballynafeigh. The two home teams have struggled to find form so far this season and it looked like another disastrous match for NICS.
BS Monday Tournament
Belfast South host the regular Autumn and Winter Tournaments every Monday evening at the Bankers Club on the Malone Road, Belfast. The competition run from October through till March with a variety of cash prizes including "Best Game"; this is a "flexible" tournament - competitors do not need to play every week.
Fruithill ripe for the picking
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 5) In the only Division 1 fixture to go ahead this week, Muldoons 1 cemented their lead with a dominant win over Fruithill. In Division 2, Lindores 2 closed the gap with a whitewash of Ballynafeigh 4.
Coaching and fun at Novembers Childrens Chess
The series of Primary and Secondary school tournaments continues into its 14th Year. With some of Northern Irelands top youngsters. An opportunity to train for the Schools Ulster Championships next month.
Muldoon and gloom for Ballynafeigh
(Belfast and District Leagues 2014/15 Week 4) Both Muldoons teams faced Ballynafeigh opposition this week and both times they came out on top. The first team opened up a lead in Division 1 with a win over Ballynafeigh 2, while the second team beat Ballynafeigh 3 to narrow the gap in Division 2.
