The Chester Chess ChronicleDefending Wirral League Champions Chester 1 have won their third game in as many matches, defeating Merseysiders Formby by a somewhat flattering 3-2 scoreline at Wallasey Chess Club last Monday.
It was captain Steve Lloyd who posted the first victory, with his victory over Mike Fraser on bottom board. During the game, Lloyd sacrificed a piece for two pawns to smash open Fraser's already weakened kingside and was soon three pawns up. Later Lloyd was able to combine his queen and two rooks to attack the king. Fraser soon resigned when he could either lose a rook or get checkmated.
Soon after, Chester were already celebrating victory when both David Bryan and Graham Bromley scored victories for the team.
On board one, Chris Doran took on Dave Williams. This was unfortunately not a great game for Doran. Doran made an error in the opening and spent most of his time trying to recover. Towards the end he lost a piece while frantically trying to get a draw in time trouble, and resigned once they had reached the time control.
The final game saw the late arriving Matthew Demmon take on Phil Fisher. Despite the time disadvantage, Demmon was able to take control of the game and was able to win material. In the end game, Demmon sacrificed to leave a favourable two bishops vs Rook game. However as the time ticked away for both players Demmon was not able to find victory despite many opportunities and just when it seems the two players
Chester's bid to retain their title was boosted as nearest rivals Caergwrle 1 and Wallasey 1 could only manage a draw.
Capenhurst Held To Draw
Chester's fourth team held Capenhurst to draw in division two of the Chester & District League at home last Tuesday.
Steve Lloyd and Paul Harnett gave hope to the home team, defeating brothers Ray and Steve Williams on boards two and three respectively. Ray Williams had chances to win, but got too greedy in the end and gave Lloyd an unstoppable passed pawn,
Captain Colin White got a draw with Dave Littlemore, and it seemed Chester would win the match however Steve Haslam tried to be too clever and ended up losing his queen in his game against Dave Hulme.
In the end, Capenhurst were able to equalise when Mike McDonagh defeated Joe Nemcek.
Tournament Round-Up
Six Chester players took part in the Preston congress however the majority came home disappointed.
Pick of the bunch was recent returnee John Sutcliffe who scored 4/5 in the minor (under 125) section.
Also taking part were Chris Doran, Shaun McConochie, Steve Lloyd, Colin White and Ian Clayton.