Belfast & District League 2008-2009
Season Preview 2008/09
The world of Ulster Chess gets back in full swing on November 4th, as its finest players and most eccentric personalities don the identities of their respective teams and square up to discover who'll be taking home the Silver King after season 2008/09.
"Big Two" All Square in PFC
The latest installment of the rivalry between the two most successful clubs in Ulster chess was played out under the bright lights of Room 109 in the Peter Froggatt Centre. QUB and Fisherwick locked horns for the first time this season, with memories of recent encounters still vivid in the memory.
RVH Running Scared
This week QUB had been due to host RVH in a crucial Division 1 clash. However, after their harrowing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Fisherwick, RVH decided to postpone the fixture and take a leave of absence from league chess. The match will now take place later in the season.
Lagan Cruise for Queen's
After last week's hard fought draw with Fisherwick, champions Queen's hosted Lagan in the Peter Froggatt Centre. The early signs are for another titanic struggle in the quest for the Silver King with Fisherwick, RVH and QUB all looking strong contenders. In seasons like this, every point feels crucial.
Back in the Winning Groove
Last week’s horror show mauling at the hands of the Evil Empire left Queen’s desperate to return to winning ways as quickly as possible. Standing in their way were fourth place Lagan.
Table Toppers Share Spoils
Champions QUB entered round 4 of the league season leading the table, but it's tight at the top. Only half a point behind the University side going into the fixture were this week's opponents, RVH.
Queen's on Top
The final set of league fixtures for 2008 saw teams at opposite ends of the table meet as Queen's University hosted Bangor.
Fisherwick Floored in Slugfest
Five games, five decisive results and not even a single draw offer in sight.
QUB Sail Past Lagan Challenge
After last week's crucial victory over Fisherwick, the chess stars of Queen's University Belfast continued on their tour of south Belfast with a trip down the road to face Lagan in the Belfast Boat Club.
QUB Chess Crush the Credit Crunch
On Saturday February 7th QUB Chess is crushing the credit crunch with the QUB Rapid 2009!
Fisherwick Smash Fortress PFC
It was top of the table stuff yet again as QUB hosted Fisherwick in the PFC. Post Christmas results have seen Champions Queen's threaten to pull away from the chasing pack, with the Uni side remaining unbeaten and their rivals unable to rid themselves of inconsistency.
Queen's Rescue RVH Draw
With every week and result that passes, it seems more and more likely that the 2008/09 race for the Silver King is set to go to the wire. Engaging in a well balanced three way joust for the coveted trophy are the Evil Empire of Fisherwick, pretenders to the crown RVH and reigning champions QUB.
Photo Finish Sees Uni Men Edge RVH
After salvaging a fairly fortuitous draw at home to RVH last week, Champions Queen’s made the return trip west to face Ciaran Marron’s side for the second week running.
Queen's Teams Enjoy St.Patrick's Day Demolitions
While University students were laying waste to the Holylands, the University’s chess teams were setting out to do likewise to their visitors in the Peter Froggatt Centre. Although much less alcohol fuelled, the damage dished out by Queen’s to the opposition was equally unforgiving.
Whitewashing the Wannabees
With Division 2 racing towards a final day decider between QUB B and Fisherwick B on April 21st, Queen's captain Damien Cunningham reports on the University's progress in their bid to win the John Strawbridge Trophy. The coverage of the title run in starts with Cunningham's team making the journey to bottom side Bangor Wannabees.
Clocks, Canes and Chocolate
Damien Cunningham reports...
Unstoppable Queen's Decimate Fisherwick
Fisherwick v. Queen's; table toppers v. champions; Evil Empire v. European heavyweights. In short, the biggest league clash in the recent history of Ulster Chess.
Makeshift QUB Move Closer to Title
Last week’s superb 4-1 spanking of Fisherwick undeniably made reigning champions Queen’s clear favourites to lift the Silver King in 2009. However, there were still 3 games to go until the season’s end. James Bond never has enough time to relax and have a cup of tea before saving the day. Chris Millar, 007 of Ulster Chess, was to find things little different.
Down to the Wire
The penultimate week of Ulster League Chess in 2008/09 has left both Divisions 1 and 2 going right to the wire. All will be decided in the Peter Froggatt Centre on April 21st, when Grand Slam Tuesday sees the top two clash in both leagues to determine who will be taking home the silverware in 2009. It’s show time baby.
Title Glory for Double Kings Queen's
April 21st proved to be a night of sweet success for Queen’s Chess, with the University club sealing a superb Ulster League double in stunning last day fashion.
