2014-2015 season
This was a busy year for news items as a couple of regular posters provided reports from league matches and long running tournaments.
The season also saw the rejuvenation of a monthly Newsletter which itself encouraged the creation of regular tournament reports.
B&D Leagues 14/15 week 2 - Things go south for Lindores
Lindores 1 may have been among the favourites to lift the Silver King this season, but their Week 2 opponents Belfast South 1 were in no mood to be intimidated and scored the result of the week with an upset win.
Two days of great chess at the Ulster Masters
With almost 40 players at the Belfast Boat Club. The Ulster Masters had two sections filled with exciting chess in a lovely location.
NICS vs Lindores 2
Lindores 1 are in self-destruct mode; are their juniors any better. Meanwhile, despite the addition of some Lagan ronin, NICS are managing their own demise pretty well too.
Autumn Tournament Kicks Off
The latest Autumn tournament hosted by Belfast South started last Monday. After the UCU Master event held over the weekend, the turnout was understandably "meagre". There were plenty of new faces at the Masters and adding their names to list of the nearby QUB League Team - this regular tournament gives ample opportunity for the new guys to sharpen their online-technique into successful over-the-board play. The old guard had better watch out.
Ballynafeigh two good for Lindores
B&D Leagues 14/15 week 3 - Lindores 1's Silver King ambitions received another blow after another shock defeat - this time at Ballynafeigh 2. Meanwhile, "Kelly's Heroes" maintain their lead in the John Strawbridge Cup.
Muldoon and gloom for Ballynafeigh
(Belfast and District Leagues 2014/15 Week 4) Both Muldoons teams faced Ballynafeigh opposition this week and both times they came out on top. The first team opened up a lead in Division 1 with a win over Ballynafeigh 2, while the second team beat Ballynafeigh 3 to narrow the gap in Division 2.
Coaching and fun at Novembers Childrens Chess
The series of Primary and Secondary school tournaments continues into its 14th Year. With some of Northern Irelands top youngsters. An opportunity to train for the Schools Ulster Championships next month.
Fruithill ripe for the picking
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 5) In the only Division 1 fixture to go ahead this week, Muldoons 1 cemented their lead with a dominant win over Fruithill. In Division 2, Lindores 2 closed the gap with a whitewash of Ballynafeigh 4.
BS Monday Tournament
Belfast South host the regular Autumn and Winter Tournaments every Monday evening at the Bankers Club on the Malone Road, Belfast. The competition run from October through till March with a variety of cash prizes including "Best Game"; this is a "flexible" tournament - competitors do not need to play every week.
Stormont Action
NICS entertained Muldoons on Thursday acting as hosts too for the Division 1 fixture between Lindores & Ballynafeigh. The two home teams have struggled to find form so far this season and it looked like another disastrous match for NICS.
Kelly's Heroes exact revenge
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 6) After their first team were whitewashed on Tuesday night by Ballynafeigh 1, their second team were pitted against Ballynafeigh 3 two nights later. They recorded an important win, but it wasn't enough to maintain their lead in Division 2 as Lindores 2 got a whitewash of their own against Ballynafeigh 5 to move into top spot.
Omagh Rapidplay 2014
The Inaugural Omagh Rapidplay was held on Saturday 22nd November 2014 and was a fantastic weekend of chess for all involved.
Williamson Shield
The Williamson Shield will this year be held in The Pavillion Sports Facility at Stormont Estate over the weekend of 3rd -4th January.
Alan Burns Grand Prix
The Alan Burns Grand Prix series kicks-off on 14th December. Now in its second year, the Lackadaisical Rapidplays offer the chance for an excellent Sunday lunch followed by an afternoon of entertaining chess.
Ballynafeigh 1 power ahead
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 7) With one-third of the season gone, the league tables are beginning to take shape. Lindores 2 and Belfast South 2 are gearing up for a tight battle for the John Strawbridge Cup, while Ballynafeigh 1 are pulling away in the race for the Silver King.
Rookie Speaks Out
After losing 6-1 to Muldoon's last time around, Belfast South's A-Team played above their rankings. Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, Kelly's Heroes stride ahead in division 2 as the pun count rockets.
The underdogs bite back
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 8) This week saw Ballynafeigh 1 and Belfast South 2 extend their leads in their respective divisions, but the big story was the success of Craig Kelly (895), Ross Smith (983) and Owen McEvoy (1066) against significantly higher-rated opposition.
Poles Position
This season's NICS Grand Prix kicked off with their first Lackadaisical Rapidplay; 6 intense matches on Sunday afternoon. Great to see so many new faces and, as some wag noted, folks with strong links to Poland monopolised the honours!
Just for Pun
After 2 encouraging results against Ballynafeigh 2 and Muldoon's 1, the "white van men" fell down to earth with an almighty bump last night against a team we previously beat 5.5-1.5 ! Meanwhile over at the Pavilion, Kelly's Heroes got a cool reception from NICS.
