News
B&D League - Part 2, Week 9 round-up
Lindores take another chunk out of Fisherwick's lead with a big win over Lagan.
NICS Winter Lackadaisical
On the afternoon of Sunday 23rd March, NICS hosted their second lackadaisical rapidplay of the season, the 3rd in their grand prix series. A shortened field this time.
NICS vs Fruithill
Back at home and NICS entertained Fruithill for their final meeting in the season; usually two well matched squads as board imbalances even out for the match. First match of the year went 4-1 for Fruithill, a draw in the second match. Could NICS actually nick more than a point on the night?
B&D League - Part 2, Week 8 round-up
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly Tuesday night at Ballynafeigh Community House, when the Division 1 title chase was blown wide open on a remarkable night of chess.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 7 round-up
As the divisional stage reaches the halfway point, Fisherwick retake the Division 1 lead yet again, while Bangor extend their Division 2 lead.
Belfast South Finale
The final game night for the Belfast South Flexible Tournament is coming up on Monday 24th March. The winner has yet to be decided so there is everything to play for; well, for some folks anyway.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 6 round-up
Another lead change in Division 1, while NICS slip up in the Division 2 title hunt.
Ballynafeigh Do It Again
Ballynafeigh Division 2 squads both entertained opposition on Tuesday night: Paddy Magee's team took on NICS while the 4th team lead by Dennis Wilkinson setup ready for Belfast South's Kelly's Heroes. Anything could happen in either match.
B&D League - week 5 analysis
Five weeks in and both divisions have leaders almost a full game-set of points ahead of their closest challenger. But there are at least another 9 weeks left and with some startling results and upsets already, especially in Division 2, consistency might be hard to come by.
3 weeks to go
Only 3 weeks left in Belfast South's regular Monday tournament. Top honours are far from certain and there is just enough time for outsiders to get a couple of games in to meet the qualifying quota and maybe steal a win.
Williamson 2014
Now over 100 years old, the Williamson Shield was up for grabs over the weekend of 22/23 February at the familiar venue of The Maynard Sinclair Pavilion. Always a popular event in the UCU calendar and this year the Shield found a brand new home for the next 12 months.
Bangor back on form
Bangor travelled to NICS on Thursday for their first meeting in Division 2 after the ignominious trouncing they received in the last match of the previous All-Play-All stage of the League competition. From his sick bed, Bangor club captain William McGratten send his team forward to try their best.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 4 round-up
Fisherwick retake the lead, while Bangor slip up in Division 2.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 3 round-up
Lindores take the lead and Belfast South are involved in further controversy, but the big story of the week was in Division 2.
Belfast South trip themselves up
NICS headed off across the city for the Banker's Club to test the mettle of "Kelly's Heroes". Waiting in the bay-window with chess board at the ready was Ray Devenney with Sam Flanagan, camera in hand. This did not look good at all!
Fruithill vs Ballynafeigh 3
Ballynafeigh 3 got themselves into hot water on Monday nights clash against Fruithill; the Ormeau Road novices were conceding an average of almost 500 rating points to their rivals on every board. This did not look good, but after two games a shock result looked in order.
B&D League - Part 2, Week 2 round-up
Lindores gain vital ground on leaders and champions Fisherwick.
Plenty of quality Schools Chess at Methodist College
On January 11th the Childrens Chess competitions continued. Out of the top players who will win a place at the Stormont Elite event at the end of the School year?
NICS vs Muldoons
NICS entertained Muldoons on Thursday for their first match up in Division 2. Unusually NICS had the edge ratings-wise but not by much; this one could go either way.
Kelly "Marshalls" his Attacks as Black
Here are two recent miniatures, which Martin Kelly won as Black, each proving Black gambits do work! Having lost to a Lopez a few weeks earlier in Cork (Alex Lopez, that is), Kelly wins against a Lopez (Ruy Lopez, that is!)