You are here: Home Archives Ulster Chronicles 2017-2018 season UCU Web 2017 Ballynafeigh 1 stranded as hopes fade for successful title defence

Ballynafeigh 1 stranded as hopes fade for successful title defence

(B&D League 2017/18 Week 7) Ballynafeigh 1's title defence appears doomed to failure as they suffered a shock defeat to Strand 2.

Division 1

 

  • Ballynafeigh 1 2-3 Strand 2
  • Ballynafeigh 2 2.5-2.5 The A Team
  • Civil Service 1.5-3.5 Strand 1

 

Ballynafeigh 1's already-faltering defence of the Silver King suffered a hammer blow as they were beaten by a Strand 2 side that they outrated by over 250 points per board. On boards 1 and 2, the Ballynafeigh 1 pairing of David Houston and Steve Scannell, with 12 Ulster Championships between them, predictably saw off Ross Harris and Brendan Jamison respectively. However, the Zelenchuks on boards 3 and 4 put in stellar performances, with Daniil (1568) beating Damien Cunningham (1722) and Dmitry (1412) pulling off the upset of the week against Damien Lavery (1774). Strand newcomer Clark Rodriguez sealed the bonus points with a win over Ian Woodfield. The bottom two sides, Ballynafeigh 2 and The A Team, were both looking to score their first match win of the season - and are both still looking for their first win, as they battled to a draw.John O'Doherty and Graeme McCormick agreed a quick draw and Sam Flanagan and Bernard Jaffa won for the visitors before Ballynafeigh 2 pulled level thanks to wins from Chris Kelly and Robert Lavery. Strand 1 put more pressure on leaders Muldoons 1, who were not in action this week, with a 3.5-1.5 win over Civil Service. Nikhil Joshi and Calum Leitch won for the Holywood Road side, with the other three games drawn. The result brings Strand 1 to within a point of Muldoons 1

PlayedPoints
Muldoons 1 4 24.5
Strand 1 4 23.5
Strand 2 5 20
Civil Service 5 17
Ballynafeigh 1 4 11.5
Ballynafeigh 2 5 9
The A Team 5 6.5

Division 2

 

  • Muldoons 2 4-1 Fruithill
  • Ballynafeigh 4 1-4 Ballynafeigh 3
  • Kelly's Heroes 4-1 Bangor

 

Kelly's Heroes took another big step towards the John Strawbridge Cup as they defeated Bangor with surprising ease. Although the top four boards were very evenly matched, the visitors could only muster two draws as the Malone Road side put even more distance between themselves and the chasing pack. Fruithill's title challenge also took a major blow as they were beaten by Muldoons 2, who now look like the main challengers to the leaders. Last but not least, Ballynafeigh 3 beat Ballynafeigh 4 4-1 to join the chasing pack from second to fifth, separated by just 3.5 points.

PlayedPoints
Kelly's Heroes 6 35.5
Fruithill 6 22
Muldoons 2 4 21
Bangor 4 19.5
Ballynafeigh 3 4 18.5
Strand 4 4 12
Strand 3 4 7.5
Fruithill Ravens 5 2.5
Ballynafeigh 4 3 1.5
Navigation
News
Ulster Fischer Championships took place on June 8th at Civil Service Pavilion One of the most exciting competitions of the year involves chess with a difference. The initial position of the main pie... Jun 29, 2025
Annual General Meeting 2024/2025 2024/2025 season is rapidly coming to a close and with this comes the announcement of the UCU’s Annual General Meeting... Jun 27, 2025
Washingbay FIDE Rapid This week's upcoming event's early entry list Jun 02, 2025
City of Belfast Winners Well done to Steve Scannell our champion, and David Jeffers on winning the Intermediate trophy! May 26, 2025
The Belfast Megafinals took place at Methodist College on Sat May 10th 2025 The last of this years monthly tournaments at Methodist College. Ended with the Delancey Chess Challenge Belfast Megafin... May 25, 2025
More news…
« July 2025 »
July
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031
Upcoming Events
The Summer Tournament (Now FIDE rated) Weds 9th July at Civil Service Pavilion Weds 9th July and the 10th Week. The aim is to start each round at 7.45 pm. Please arrive at least by 7:30pm and if arri... Jul 09, 2025 07:30 PM - 10:30 PM — NICS,Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3TA
The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay July 24th 2025. (TBC FIDE rated) Rapidplay tournament at Citi Offices on Thursday 24th July Round 1 starts at 7:30pm. All monies being d... Jul 24, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:30 PM — Citi, Gateway Offices, 60 Sydenham Rd, Belfast BT3 9DP.
City of Lisburn Championship Jul 26, 2025 10:30 AM - 03:00 PM — Lisburn Chess Club, 60-62 Longstone Street
Ulster Championships 2025 The top Ulster competition returns to open the 2025-2026 season! *FIDE registration of the event is pending.* Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025 — Queens University, South Dinning Hall, Belfast
FIDE RATED County Tyrone Rapid Championship 2025 Wednesday 3 September 2025 Check-in at 7:45pm. The 5 rounds will be played back-to-back from 8pm to 10:30pm Washingbay... Sep 03, 2025 07:45 PM - 10:30 PM — Washingbay Centre, 92 Ballybeg Road, Aughamullan, Coalisland, County Tyrone, BT71 5DX
Upcoming events…