Culcheth had three fixtures last week, testing our player and indeed equipment resources to the limit. Here is how it all went down.
On the 17th October Culcheth took a trip to new WDCL entrants Lymm for a division 3 fixture. Tough games were had with perhaps the highlight fixture being Jonathan Miller’s game below against our much missed former member Bryan Slater, who now plays for Lymm as its closer for him. Jonathan’s commentary on that game below. Notible mentions to Vince who achieved a fine draw against Lymm’s young star Jake Humphreys and Nick Burriss for a good win on board 1.
Just a day later Culcheth had a double header fixture, the A team were at home against last season’s division 2 winners Skelmersdale. Whilst the Richard Furness side also faced Northwich at the same time and date.
This stretched our resources to the extent that two of the old analog clocks had to be dusted down and brought out for use!
The A team were missing a few players meaning that Damian had a decision to make as to whom to bring in on board 5. Should he go for the experienced Nick Burriss? Or a rising star in James Short?
In the end the decision to give Nick the nod seemed to pay off as both Nick and Andy Coe won their games quickly giving us a 2-0 lead. Nick’s game can be played through below.
Damian seemed to have built up an advantage however Gareth Ellis is a tough nut to crack and Gareth managed to hold on for the draw in a position where both players were unable to avoid a perpetual check to their kings.
Paul Stanley from Skelmersdale played a fine game on board 1 against Ian Dutton, the game went deep into a time scramble where both players had rook and 1 pawn left. Paul’s pawn crucially proved further advanced which allowed him to get the win 2.5-1.5
Finally Ilya’s game looked to be headed for a draw but for a most unfortunate bishop blunder likely brought about by the late hour, this mistake prematurely ended the game and resulted in a tied match 2.5-2.5 well done to Skelmersdale!
Finally at the top end of the room the Richard Furness side took on a rather strong looking Northwich side.
James made a better job then Damian did as Black recently against Adrian Breakspeares Colle system, the result was a draw on top board which was an excellent result by James against a strong player.
Dan was outgraded by over 300 points against former League president Richard Betts, he put up a good fight however but Richard emerged triumphant on board 2.
Phil Dawson has been playing excellent chess lately however on this occasion he was to lose against newcomer Liam Whittaker.
Then finally Daniel Anstess in just his second game for us managed an excellent draw on bottom board.
