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?
Ballynafeigh 2 2-3 Fisherwick

John Bradley plays Robert Lavery

It hasn't been a great start to the season for Ballynafeigh 2, despite counting among their number the Ulster Senior and Intermediate Champions. In their opening fixture against Belfast South, they were seemingly home and dry at one stage - 2-1 up, and with advantageous, if not outright winning, positions on the other two boards. However, Ballynafeigh 2 let them both slip and fell to a 3-2 defeat. The following match against Muldoons, while not as dramatic, led to the same scoreline.

So when champions Fisherwick came to Ballynafeigh Community House for this week 3 fixture, the result may have seemed a forgone conclusion. Ballynafeigh 2 had an ace up their sleeve, though, in the form of Stephen Rush, who had apparently never played competitive over-the-board chess before this season, yet had a 100% record going into this encounter, thanks to victories over John Bryars and Richard Gould. His blistering start continued as in the first game to finish he defeated Ian Woodfield to put the home team into the lead.

On board 3, Brendan Jamison and Callum Ormerod shared the point while Michael Waters beat Mike Redman on top board to level the match at 1.5 each, setting up exciting climaxes on boards 2 and 5. Robert Lavery had winning chances in the latter by way of his menacing-looking kingside pawns, but couldn't convert his advantage and had to settle for a draw. 2-2.

Everything, then, hinged on Damien Cunningham and John Cairns on board 2. Cunningham had a clock advantage and an outside passed pawn in a bishops-of-same-colour and pawns endgame, but made a crucial error upon which Cairns swiftly capitalised despite his time pressure.

In the end, yet another 3-2 loss for Ballynafeigh 2, but against the champions this was a creditable result. Ballynafeigh 2 will face another stern test against Lindores next week as they look for their first match win.

Also taking place at the same venue that night was the first Ballynafeigh derby of the season as Ballynafeigh 1 played Ballynafeigh 3. The big story of that encounter was John Price claiming Ballynafeigh 3's first half point against Barney McGahan as they avoided a third successive whitewash.

Navigation
News
UCU Tournaments: A Critical Moment for Volunteer and Arbiter Support This report, prepared by Tournament Director Karina Campbell and presented to the Ulster Chess Union Executive Board, ou... Oct 26, 2025
Exciting changes to the Sligo event in 2026. Now a multi-tournament chess festival. Save the dates in your calender Jan 30th to Feb 8th. The Sligo event is undergoing a major transformation in 2026 from a weekender to a multi-tournament festival. The Sligo ... Oct 16, 2025
The Monthly Childrens Chess Kicks off Oct 25th at Methodist College ** New date ** The LJCC Belfast Qualifier a one day 6 round tournament starts our annual series of monthly tournaments a... Oct 09, 2025
The 2025 Summer tournament ends with a fun tournament and award ceremony Weds 24th September 2025 saw 24 players gather to celebrate the end of the UCU Summer Tournament. Who won? we have the f... Sep 27, 2025
Belfast Qualifier for the British Open Blitz 2025/26 Belfast runs one of 16 tournaments that allow players to qualify for the British Open Blitz tournament. The top player a... Sep 27, 2025
More news…
« October 2025 »
October
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031
Upcoming Events
FIDE RATED City of Bangor 10 Round Halloween Blitz at 3+2 Celebrate Halloween with 10 rounds of Chess Blitz at City of Bangor Chess Club. Thursday 30th October. Oct 30, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
November 1st Childrens Chess 12:30 – 5:00 The monthly schools chess tournaments continues at Methodist College. Nov 01, 2025 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
FIDE RATED Bangor Club Masters Rapid 2025 [10 rounds of 25+0 over two days] Open to all players. One open section with Intermediate and Junior trophies awarded for highest placed finish by players... Nov 06, 2025 07:30 PM - 10:45 PM — City of Bangor International Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, Northern Ireland, BT19 6JR
FIDE RATED Bangor Club Masters Rapid 2025 [10 rounds of 25+0 over two days] Open to all players. One open section with Intermediate and Junior trophies awarded for highest placed finish by players... Nov 08, 2025 10:15 AM - 04:30 PM — City of Bangor International Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, Northern Ireland, BT19 6JR
FIDE rated Ulster Masters 2025 Please note due to venue capacity, entries will be capped at 44. Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025 — Lisburn Chess Club
Upcoming events…