We Are The Champions

We did it! Heathcote Arms 2 are the champions of Division 5.

We were at home against Melton. Not being sure who would be in Melton's team, we had Graham Booley on standby - but the Melton 150s were not forthcoming, this time. Dave and i could not face the pressure of actually playing, so the board order was: Pete, on board 1, Rob, John, and Ray.

Graham, Dave, and i spectated, as did Melton's Roy Toon.

It was a long time before we had any results, and there were some very stressful moments for the spectators as the advantage appeared to swing from the Heathcote Arms players to Melton and then back again.

The first result was a loss for Pete. A pawn down for most of the game, Pete regained it, but was short of time and there was some serious pressure towards king and queen.

John had been equal on material for most of his game, but with his more actively placed pieces had always looked comfortable.

Ray went up a piece and two pawns very quickly, but then struggled to stay on top as Andrew's pieces attempted to encircle Ray's queen and bishop. For a long time, there was serious danger to Ray's queen near the centre of the board. All razor's edge stuff, but Ray hung on and was able to simplify into a winning endgame. This second win meant that we had at least drawn the match and had taken the division title.

Meanwhile, Rob had lost a piece at one point, but then regained it. There were queens, rooks and pawns on the board at the time control. The queens then came off, and Rob's opponent went a queen's side rook pawn up, but was far shorter on time. With some very precise play, Rob, was able to turn the tables and equalise and then even went a pawn ahead. With the championship having been won, Rob accepted the offer of a draw.

Heathcote Arms (2) Vs Melton (3)
board 1 (black) Harrison, Peter (140) 0-1 (135) Farquharson, Ian
board 2 (white) Ensor, Rob (135) Drawn (138) Cope, Shaun
board 3 (Black) Manger, John (134) 1-0 (107) Smith, Peter
board 4 (White) Beach, Ray (90) 1-0 (80) Keightley, Andrew
Score 2.5 - 1.5

Very well done everyone for this performance and for your performances all season.

This weekend, Rob takes part in the Major Section of the Nottingham Chess Congress. Good Luck!

On Wednesday, 20th April, we are away at the Red Admiral in our last League match.

The Red Admiral and Melton, of course, are still in competition, with each other, for second place and promotion. We are open to bribes.

Summer News
As with last year, we will be entering two Chapman/Birstall Cup teams, 1 team in the Harrod Cup, and 1 team in the Wylie Cup.

There has been no official word on the County Champs yet, but i hear that it will be held at Wigston.

The Atkins will be run from 1st to 3rd October.

Once again, well done everyone.

Colin