News
Ulster Masters 2013
Ballynafeigh hosted the 3rd Ulster Masters last weekend. This year, rather than two distinct sections, both seniors & challengers were combined. A broad range of talent competing in the 2-day tournament starting on Saturday 16th November
NICS vs Lindores
After complicated too-ing and fro-ing by email & phone between NICS, Lindores and the League Controller a match-up was finally confirmed. Unable to secure accommodation in the Pavilion, NICS decamped to the Holywood Arches to continue their onward league quest. Yet another opportunity to create an upset for a Silver King contender.
Ballynafeigh 2 1.5-3.5 Lindores
Ballynafeigh 2's tough start to the season continues with a defeat to Lindores, but there was some entertaining chess along the way.
Ballynafeigh 2 2-3 Fisherwick
On October 29th Fisherwick provided the opposition at Ballynafeigh Community House. Could Ballynafeigh 2 claim the scalp of the Silver King holders?
Website Improvements
In addition to the release of the UCU Monthly Newsletter, the Web Team have made a few changes to the website to make it more accessible to members. We are also bringing in a substantial body of historical articles for the UCU Archive.
UCU Newsletter
The UCU Web Team have just finalised the Union's monthly newsletter. The first issue should be sent out over the first weekend in November. If you have not been subscribed, use the sign-up tool to add your name for the next issue.
B&D League: week 3
3 weeks in and its all to play for with Silver King holders Fisherwick floundering in 6th position. Mind you it will be difficult to predict a final result with one club not playing each week and a bunch of teams at the bottom arguing over the wooden spoon.
Oh dear, oh dear
NICS entertained Muldoons on Thursday night. NICS, a new generation of Civil Servants versus Muldoons, a revamped Mallusk squad with ambitions. Could the new boys challenge the travellers ambitions? Would the visitors be able to deliver on their bold talk? A testing match-up for both teams perhaps.
Belfast South : week 2
The Belfast South Flexible Tournament started on 21st October. It runs every Monday evening through till spring-time when the Summer Tournament will begin. The competition is open to all UCU members
NICS at Belfast South
On only their second outing, NICS trekked to Belfast South and nearly caused a major upset. Building on their performance from the previous week, NICS piled on the pressure.
NICS Intense Rapidplay
Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) open their doors to celebrate their new start at Maynard Sinclair Pavilion. At the same time, kicking-off the new chess season with a one-day Rapidplay. More than that, begining a series of Rapidplays to culminate in a Grand Prix finale. A lot of firsts!
NICS Inaugural Intense Rapidplay
On Sunday 20th October Civil Service CC is running its first-ever Intense Rapidplay. Don't be put off by the title, the club is offering a day of friendly but competitive chess.
New League timetable
With the unfortunate withdrawal of Bombardier the league timetable has been amended.
Muldoons open for business
Magherafelt to Mallusk and now to Muldoons. The south antrim club are on the move again and this time they have their eyes on something more than the John Strawbridge Cup!
Last round Summer Tournament 2013
The last round of the Summer Tournament took place on Weds 18th September. Run by the UCU to provide an opportunity for tournament chess over the Summer when alot of the Chess Clubs Close. This year saw plenty of chess 19 rounds with 192 games and 39 players.
Culture Night 2013
Another Exciting Chess event at the 2013 Belfast Culture Night. This year saw Street Chess at the Belfast Night of Culture 2013 Friday 20th September. With Dragons, a match between MP Naomi Long and MLA Chris Lyttle and plenty of people stopping for a game of chess. Chess puzzles were handed out see text for solutions.
Top young players at the Giga-Finals and British Championships
We were well represented in the Giga-Finals in Manchester over the weekend of 13th/14th July. Dayna Ferguson coming 4th in the Under 8 Girls and Daniel Ferguson coming a well placed joint 15th in the Under 7 Boys. Dayna also played in the British Championships in Torquay.
League Prizes and new President
The UCU AGM held on July 16th included the presentation of the Silver King to Fisherwick club, the Tom Clarke trophy to Steven Eachus and the election of a new UCU President, Geoff Hindley.
Childrens Chess Events for 2012-2013
Another exciting year of childrens chess events. The first event is the exciting 3 day summer school in August.
