Shrewsbury A missed out on a first league double of the season – but picked up another useful point with a draw against Oswestry A.
Francis Best’s side came from behind to lead their struggling visitors in their recent Shropshire Chess League division one clash at the Nerdy Café, writes Peter Kitchen.
But Ivor Salter was beaten by Gary Slegg on bottom board in the final game to finish to ensure the spoils were shared.
It means Shrewsbury will go into Monday night’s mouthwatering “El Chessico” county town derby with Telepost A with just one defeat from their seven league matches and comfortably placed in fourth in the seven-team division, on the coat tails of their big rivals.
Shrewsbury gained a point on second placed Newport A – who themselves were beaten at Telepost A – and also inched a further point clear of the drop zone. Shrewsbury are now five points ahead of second bottom Maddocks B.
The A’s have now drawn four of their seven league matches, showing they are not an easy team to beat. It is an encouraging improvement on the struggles of recent seasons, for sure.
Shrewsbury’s side showed two changes from last month’s win over Maddocks B, with Stephen Priestley coming into the side on board four in place of the unavailable Mark Smith and Salter replacing Will Apted on bottom board. Dan Lockett moved up one slot to board three.
Lockett’s game was the first to finish. He felt he had had some good chances to win against the experienced Richard Bryant, but the game turned against him and it was the visitors who drew first blood.
The battle of the captains on board two between Best and Charles Lowic Higgie ended in a draw before Shrewsbury turned the match on its head. Nathanael Paul beat Rudy van Kemenade on top board with the black pieces, before Priestley saw off Adrian Bailey in impressive style on board four to give the hosts the lead.
But Slegg’s win on bottom board rescued a point for Oswestry, which will help the fifth-placed side in their bid to move clear of the relegation places.
Full scores (Shrewsbury colours in brackets):
Shrewsbury A 2.5-2.5 Oswestry A
1. Nathanael Paul (b) 1-0 Rudy van Kemenade
2. Francis Best (w) 0.5-0.5 Charles Lowick Higgie
3. Dan Lockett (b) 0-1 Richard Bryant
4. Stephen Priestley (w) 1-0 Adrian Bailey
5. Ivor Salter (b) 0-1 Gary Slegg