Hendersons close the gap with a much needed 'lift'
The RVH Hendersons gave a 'high octane' performance as they bounced back from a poor run of form with victory to reverse their recent loss against Magherafelt.
After a dismal run of five consecutive defeats which saw them rooted to the foot of division 3, the Hendersons have now closed the gap on Magherafelt to one point with one game remaining, to ensure a nail biting finish to division 3. Local rivals the Ravens are still a half point further ahead, and with a game in hand they look favourites to take the division 3 title.
In the match itself, Phil Morrison and Sean Linton were unlucky to lose in tight games against Jim Waddell and Malcolm Waddell on boards 4 and 2 respectively. St Pats 'old boys' CJ Murphy and Michael Toal were looking good on boards 3 and 5 and eventually both won. Toal prevailed against an out of sorts Drew Ferguson, but Murphy never looked in doubt against Stephen Eachus afer forcing a piece win with 27 ( , R x B) to which Eachus couldn't recapture due to a pinned pawn on the b file.
At 2-2, the never 'left behind' RVH 'anchor man' Gareth Annesley confirmed the win as he looked comfortably several pawns better the N.Pilkiewicz in a won endgame. It will be all eyes on the last two games in division 3, as the Ravens travel to Magherafelt next week, before the final showdown against the Hendersons the following week.
Henderson 3- 2 Magherafelt.
