News
Childrens Chess kicked off in November - a warm-up for the Ulster Championships.
The first Childrens chess of the year was held at Methodist College on November 2nd. This starts the group of tournaments that leads to the top players being invited to Award Ceremony in June (previously held at Stormont). Quality Chess played by players from P2 to Upper Sixth. An excellent opportunity to practice for the Ulster Schools Championships in December.
B&D League
Seven weeks into the League and teams are starting to sort themselves out. There only another 4 matches (2 before & 2 after the holidays) left in this part of the competition before we break into Divisions 1 & 2 and the battle for the Silver King starts in earnest.
Des Forson 1964-2013
Des Forson, longtime member of the Ulster Chess Union, died in a Whiteabbey hospice in the middle of November. David Houston, friend and contemporary, remembers Des - on and off the chess board.
The Agony and the Ecstasy
Martin Kelly reports on his recent performances in the League, UCU Masters and the recent ICU event in Kilkenny. Martin provides some clues on other UCU members playing in Kilkenny
Fruithill vs NICS
After their victory last week, a relaxed NICS team travelled across the city to Fruithill. Perhaps they should have been a bit more concerned: strong-man McAlister was missing for the match and Fruithill have a reputation for fielding strong, home-teams. As it was, the visitors were not entirely out-gunned.
NICS vs Ballynafeigh 3
NICS tripped down to Ballynafeigh Community Centre for a league match more to their liking - Ballynafeigh's number 3 team. After the past couple of weeks of demolitions from Muldoons, Fisherwick and Lindores, the team ought to be able to gain some points and lift themselves clear of the bottom, temporarily at least.
Ballynafeigh 2 vs Fruithill
After whitewashing Ballynafeigh 3 last week, could Ballynafeigh 2 build on that result against stiffer opposition?
GOING DUTCH
An arresting telegram arrived today, delivered by a fresh-faced young chap sporting a peaked cap and a very unlikely, tight tunic. I didn't think telegrams still existed nevermind Post Office delivery boys...
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!
