Friday 13 July 2012

Harrod Three in a Row

Ben wanted to play all the same colour in the first game of the match.

I like this as, if you are not careful, it can be easy to get mixed up, when submitting the result, as to who was playing which colour and when. I also like it when our side plays all black in the first round as i believe it gives us a psychological edge if we come out of it even (or even half a point down) with four games yet to play as white. So, when Wigston won the toss and chose white i was quite pleased. Moaning Dave had a good hack, however.

We actually did quite well though. Dave won his two games before anyone else had finished their first - he has proved to be something of a banker on board four in this competition. I didn't get much chance to see Ray's game, but he  lost out to Paul Winterton. I played a Winawer against Frank Hulford. In the opening, Frank allowed a bishop to get boxed in with no retreat squares, so i was able to swap a pawn for it. The position became rather locked up and (as ever) time began to run out, but i was able to simplify and snatch a mate with a minute or two to go. Mad Mike was the last to finish, but took the point.

4-1 up at the break (actually with five games played as Dave and his opponent had already finished).
In round 2, Ray agreed a draw giving us the match, i agreed a draw, a pawn down, having over pressed early on, and Mike blundered under pressure.

5-3 and a third win in three rounds was an excellent result.

We adjourned to the bar where Ray told us of a surprise visit from the Red Admiral on Tuesday.


12 JulWigston 1W - BB - WHeathcote Arms 1
3 - 5
1119Cooper, Barrie0 - 11 - 0Cowley, Michael160
2111Winterton, Paul1 - 0½ - ½Beach, Ray105
3106Hulford, Frank0 - 1½ - ½Ross, Colin94
480Dean, Simon0 - 10 - 1Ricketts, Dave94


On Tuesday, we have our AGM. This normally takes about half an hour. After this, there will probably be some friendlies, but most people will probably disappear as there are County Champs games on the Thursday.

Well done everyone,

Colin.

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