The Chester Chess ChronicleChester YMCA Juniors have made an impressive start, hammering their counterparts from Chester Chess Club by five games to nil.
It seemed that YMCA would struggle against Chester's fifth team, and after the early stages it looked like this was a good assumption. On board four, YMCA's Bharat Sharma took on the improving David Cooney. Cooney had won a piece early in the game and kept hold of it until the endgame. However an unfortunate blunder handed Sharma a favourable endgame. Cooney soon resigned when it became clear Sharma could win a queen.
Next, YMCA star player Marvin Hayes took on Freddy Campbell on two. Campbell had created a good attack on Hayes' kingside but failed to capitalise. Hayes remained calm, d-
The victory was sealed by board five Alastair Tonge, who defeated Barry Kelly. Tonge cleverly created holes in Kelly's defences, before eventually combining his pieces for a checkmate. The match was won, however YMCA were not finished. On board three Arthur Fearnall took on Geoff Townsend. Townsend had won a piece in the opening, but clever play from Fearnall eventually allowed him to recapture the piece and more. Townsend later resigned, as Fearnall had a two pawn advantage in the endgame.
Finally, YMCA's adult captain Chris Fozzard wrapped up the victory,
Wirral Champs Win
Wirral League Champions Chester 1 comfortably beat newly promoted Chester 2 4-1.
Chester 1's new captain Steve Lloyd got his team off to a good start, defeating Harry Bullard on board five in just 15 moves after a blunder from Bullard. Then club champion Chris Doran almost as quickly, defeating Paul Watson on top board.
The win was sealed by debutant Matt Demmon, who defeated Tim Everrett after a tough looking game. Three-nil soon became four-nil, when Ard van Bergen beat Shaun McConochie.
The second team managed to salvage some pride, with captain Joe
Wirral Round-up
Two more Wirral League teams were in action this week.
First Chester 3 travelled to Capenhurst on Monday. An early win from Colin White on board five was later followed by draws from Ian Clayton and new captain Harry Bullard on boards four and three respectively. Then, a fortunate win on time by top board Steve Lloyd gave Chester the points.
Finally Chester 4 pulled off an unexpected 3½-1½ win away at Frodsham. Good wins from David Cooney, Barry Kelly and Mark Robinson and a draw from Frank Howell were enough to seal the win. All in all, a good week for Chester.