You are here: Home Archives Ulster Chronicles 2017-2018 season UCU Web 2017 Muldoons 1's lead narrows, but is it too late?

Muldoons 1's lead narrows, but is it too late?

(B&D League 2017/18 Week 12) Division 1 leaders prevailed in a tight match with Ballynafeigh 1 as second-placed Strand 2 easily saw off The A Team.

Division 1

 

  • Muldoons 1 3-2 Ballynafeigh 1
  • Civil Service 4-1 Ballynafeigh 2
  • Strand 2 4.5-0.5 The A Team

 

Muldoons 1 maintained their 100% match record for the season, albeit narrowly, as they defeated reigning Silver King holders Ballynafeigh 1. David Houston and Steve Scannell, with 12 Ulster Championships between them, delivered two points from the top two boards for the visitors, but it was a different story on the remaining boards as Gareth Annesley, Stephen Wood and Danny Mallaghan secured the bonus points for the Corporation Square side. Their lead was cut to 11 points, though, as Strand 2 steamrolled The A Team. On paper it looked evenly matched, with Strand 2 rated just 41 points higher on average. But Strand 2 know better than any other team that chess is generally not played on paper, as they performed well above their ratings - yet again - to brush aside the opposition in a 4.5-0.5 victory. Ross Harris, Michael Sheerin and the Zelenchuks all won, with only Brendan Jamison's draw against Graeme McCormick spoiling the whitewash. It wasn't all bad news for The A Team, though, as unavailability of key players is becoming an issue for wooden spoon rivals Ballynafeigh 2 - they could only field three players in their 4-1 defeat by Civil Service.

Strand 1, who were not in action this week, are 18.5 points behind, but with two matches in hand and a slightly easier run-in they aren't out of the Silver King hunt just yet.

Standings

PlayedPoints
Muldoons 1 9 51.5
Strand 2 9 40.5
Strand 1 7 33
Civil Service 9 32
Ballynafeigh 1 7 25
Ballynafeigh 2 8 11.5
The A Team 9 9.5

Division 2/3/4

 

  • (Division 4) Strand 3 3-2 Ballynafeigh 4

 

The post-split action commenced this week with a win for Division 4 leaders Strand 3 against Ballynafeigh 4. In an evenly-balanced match, Rhys McLean and James Wong defeated Ronan Fitzsimons and Andy Boal respectively. Billy Jackson claimed a win for the visitors against Adam Rushe, while the top two boards, PJ Mallon vs David Seaby and Adrian Dornford-Smith against John Price, were both drawn. Strand 3's lead now stands at 12.5 points.

Standings

Division 2PlayedPointsDivision 3PlayedPointsDivision 4PlayedPoints
Kelly's Heroes 8 43 Strand 4 8 30.5 Strand 3 9 27.5
Bangor 8 39.5 Fruithill 8 30 Ballynafeigh 4 9 15
Muldoons 2 8 39 Ballynafeigh 3 8 29 Fruithill Ravens 8 4.5
Navigation
News
Ulster Championships 2025 - Results This year’s championships were held over the August Bank holiday at Lisburn Chess Club. Aug 27, 2025
Ulster Championships 2025 at full capacity This year's Ulster Championships are hosted at Lisburn Chess Club with a limited number of entrants and we can now confi... Aug 16, 2025
Football, Family activities, Live Music, Live Dancing and Chess at EMSONI 2025 Festival. We were honoured to be invited to the EMSONI Festival on 26th July 2025 and enjoyed Chess, fantastic company and convers... Aug 02, 2025
The Annual Citi Charity Rapidplay took place on July 24th 2025. Some 42 players gathered to raise money for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. Organised by Citi's chess team captain Micha... Aug 02, 2025
Celebrating Young Chess talent at Stormont. MLA Naomi Long invites top players. Our series of monthly tournaments concludes with the top players their parents and Principals being invited to Stormont ... Jul 11, 2025
More news…
« September 2025 »
September
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930
Upcoming Events
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
18th Sept. FIDE RATED City of Bangor Rapid Congress 2025 Rounds 1-5 10 rounds of FIDE Rapid play at City of Bangor Chess Club over 2 evenings. 5 Rounds on 18th Sept. 5 Rounds on 25th Sept. Sep 18, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
UK Blitz Championships 2025 - Belfast Qualifier - Sunday Sept 21st: FIDE Rated An opportunity to qualify for the UK Blitz Championships. Belfast is holding one of the 16 qualifying tournaments across... Sep 21, 2025 10:30 AM - 06:00 PM — NICS,Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3TA
25th Sept. FIDE RATED City of Bangor Rapid Congress 2025 Rounds 6-10 10 rounds of FIDE Rapid play at City of Bangor Chess Club over 2 evenings. 5 Rounds on 18th Sept. 5 Rounds on 25th Sept. Sep 25, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
Bangor: FIDE RATED Blitzmania 10 Rounds 1-10 Thursday 2 October 2025 Blitzmania at Bangor - a series of exciting Blitz tournaments at City of Bangor Chess Club. Oct 02, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
Upcoming events…