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.
Coffee-house men too hot to handle
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 9) For the first time in a long time, Lindores 1 look like a threat in the title race after a whitewash of Belfast South 1. Their second team were also victorious, narrowing the gap at the top of Division 2.
Schools Individual Ulster Champion crowned
Young Chess players gathered at Methodist College to play to be crowned an Ulster Champion.
Lindores vs NICS
NICS decided to end 2014 with a BANG gathering themselves for a dominating attack on league challengers Lindores. Drafting in Peter May and David McAlister, the visitors expected great things of their line-up.
Muldooned to failure?
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 10) Muldoons' title ambitions suffered a hammer blow as they were easily seen off by leaders Ballynafeigh 1. Their second team fared little better, losing to Division 2 leaders Belfast South 2.
Christmas Double for Horvath as he lands Williamson
The Williamson Shield was held on the weekend of 3rd and 4th January at the Maynard Sinclair Pavilion and saw 38 players contesting over two sections.
A happy new year for Ballynafeigh 1
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 11) League leaders Ballynafeigh 1 got 2015 off to a good start as they duly defeated Bangor, extending their lead to 13 points as Lindores 1 had a free week. However, third-place Muldoons 1 kept the leaders within sight with a whitewash of Ballynafeigh 2.
Lavery Snaffles "Best Game" Prize - Again
Robert Lavery was awarded the "Best Game" prize again after this season Autumn series in the 3rd Belfast South Monday Tournament. Controller Neil Green reports...
Ballynafeigh 1 increase the gap
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 12) Ballynafeigh 1 took advantage of Muldoons 1's slip-up with victory over Lindores 1, tightening their grip on the lead in Division 1. In Division 2, Ballynafeigh 3 have "Kelly's Heroes" in their sights after a convincing win over NICS.
"Kelly's Heroes" keep their noses in front in Strawbridge chase
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 13) The big story of the week was in Division 2, where Belfast South 2 left Ballynafeigh Community House on Tuesday night with their five-point lead (and match in hand) intact, but it could have been different as Ballynafeigh 3 squandered opportunities to close the gap.
A fruitful night for Ballynafeigh 1
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 14) Despite conceding a surprise draw on board 1, Ballynafeigh 1 extended their lead to 20 points as the Belfast and District Leagues reach the two-thirds mark. Meanwhile, Belfast South 2 edged further ahead in Division 2.
NICS Intense Rapidplay #2
The Alan Burns Grand Prix series continues on 1st March. Now in its second year, the NICS Rapidplays offer the chance for an excellent Sunday lunch followed by an afternoon of entertaining chess. Next up is an Intense tourney with as many games as we can manage in an afternoon.
Ballynafeigh 1 hand on the Silver King
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 15) Ballynafeigh 1 were the only one of the top three sides to win this week - surely they cannot be caught now? "Kelly's Heroes" are also a step closer to the John Strawbridge Cup despite a surprisingly unconvincing win over Ballynafeigh 5.
Ulster Rapidplay and City of Belfast Championships
Both the Ulster Rapidplay and the City of Belfast Championships will take place in the month of April
Ballynafeigh 5 win - cue the flying pigs
(B&D League 2014/15 Week 17) At the 17th attempt, Ballynafeigh 5 finally win a match as they defeat Ballynafeigh 4. In Division 1, Fruithill improve their survival chances with a win against Bangor.
Success for Ulster players at Bunratty
Over 30 Ulster players travelled to Co. Clare to compete in the world-famous Bunratty Chess Festival. Three of them returned with prizes, and several others put in good performances.
Top young chess players enjoy afternoon of chess
The series of monthly Belfast Chess tournaments continued on January 17th at Methodist College. With pupils ranging from P3 to Sixth Formers. Playing some brilliant chess.
Ballynafeigh 1 win Silver King
(B&D League 2014/15 Week 18) The Silver King's destination was settled on Thursday night as leaders Ballynafeigh 1 defeated Bangor while in a rescheduled match from earlier in the season, second-placed Muldoons 1 were beaten by Lindores 1. In Division 2, although Ballynafeigh 3 made some inroads into Belfast South 2's lead, it looks like too little, too late.
February's Childrens Chess - an opportunity for fun.
These events are always fun to be at, there is a friendly atmosphere that between rounds leads to a buzz of discussion. Followed by silent concentration as the games begin. Calling all keen young chess players here's an event you would enjoy...
An evening of exciting Chess with Grand Master Nigel Short
Nigel Short faced 39 chess players varying from hardened club players to younger chess enthusiasts. All hoping to get a point off this World Class player.
The Alan Burns' Series of Tournaments Continues
On March 1st the Second tournament of the Alan Burns' series took place. 15 players gathered with ratings ranging from 800 to 1877.
