HA2 Vs Ashby 3

Haka Dave Reports:

The second team put a slightly weaker side than normal due to Pete Harrison going "all theatrical". Despite Pete's unavailability, on paper the grades were pretty even, so a close match was to be expected. However, personally I've found Ashby to be a bit of a bogey side in the past.

Your reporter missed the openings, as he was playing a couple of friendlies at the other end of the room.  By the time he strolled up to have a look, he found that Rob was in the stuck against David Reynolds, who had got a pawn to the seventh rank.  Not long after this Rob resigned.  Rob said later that David's pawn arrived on the sixth rank around move 10, and the seventh five moves later.  David must be the most improved player amongst the lower echelons of the Leicestershire Chess League.

Both Colin and Ray's games followed a similar path.  They both got into end games with a small(ish) disadvantage and their opponents showed excellent end-game technique to get the full point for Ashby.  Colin also had his standard time scramble at 30 moves, and when he resigned he was living on fumes.  Ray got to the time control with time to spare, although not as much as his opponent.

Whilst Boards 3 & 4 were in their end-games, John was grinding out a very good win.  In fact, at the point of everyone else being in end game territory, in John's game only a single piece had been removed from each side. John had all the threats, and in time this told on his opponent who starting shedding material.  So at least it was not a Heathcote Arms zero.

18 Jan		Heathcote Arms 2		v	Ashby 3
				1 - 3
1	B	139	Ensor, Rob	0 - 1	Reynolds, David	137
2	W	122	Manger, John	1 - 0	Williams, Richard	111
3	B	102	Ross, Colin	0 - 1	Jones, Peter	100
4	W	90	Beach, Ray	0 - 1	Roberts, Neil	78

Dave