News
Top young chess players enjoy afternoon of chess
The series of monthly Belfast Chess tournaments continued on January 17th at Methodist College. With pupils ranging from P3 to Sixth Formers. Playing some brilliant chess.
Success for Ulster players at Bunratty
Over 30 Ulster players travelled to Co. Clare to compete in the world-famous Bunratty Chess Festival. Three of them returned with prizes, and several others put in good performances.
Ballynafeigh 5 win - cue the flying pigs
(B&D League 2014/15 Week 17) At the 17th attempt, Ballynafeigh 5 finally win a match as they defeat Ballynafeigh 4. In Division 1, Fruithill improve their survival chances with a win against Bangor.
Ulster Rapidplay and City of Belfast Championships
Both the Ulster Rapidplay and the City of Belfast Championships will take place in the month of April
Ballynafeigh 1 hand on the Silver King
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 15) Ballynafeigh 1 were the only one of the top three sides to win this week - surely they cannot be caught now? "Kelly's Heroes" are also a step closer to the John Strawbridge Cup despite a surprisingly unconvincing win over Ballynafeigh 5.
NICS Intense Rapidplay #2
The Alan Burns Grand Prix series continues on 1st March. Now in its second year, the NICS Rapidplays offer the chance for an excellent Sunday lunch followed by an afternoon of entertaining chess. Next up is an Intense tourney with as many games as we can manage in an afternoon.
A fruitful night for Ballynafeigh 1
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 14) Despite conceding a surprise draw on board 1, Ballynafeigh 1 extended their lead to 20 points as the Belfast and District Leagues reach the two-thirds mark. Meanwhile, Belfast South 2 edged further ahead in Division 2.
"Kelly's Heroes" keep their noses in front in Strawbridge chase
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 13) The big story of the week was in Division 2, where Belfast South 2 left Ballynafeigh Community House on Tuesday night with their five-point lead (and match in hand) intact, but it could have been different as Ballynafeigh 3 squandered opportunities to close the gap.
Ballynafeigh 1 increase the gap
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 12) Ballynafeigh 1 took advantage of Muldoons 1's slip-up with victory over Lindores 1, tightening their grip on the lead in Division 1. In Division 2, Ballynafeigh 3 have "Kelly's Heroes" in their sights after a convincing win over NICS.
Lavery Snaffles "Best Game" Prize - Again
Robert Lavery was awarded the "Best Game" prize again after this season Autumn series in the 3rd Belfast South Monday Tournament. Controller Neil Green reports...
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.
