Things didn’t look good for Shrewsbury’s A team fixture against Priorslee Lions A on Monday 20th January, when captain Francis Best received a call over the previous weekend that regular, Peter Kitchen, was under the weather and unlikely to be able to play. Knowing that other core players Jamie Hopkins and Ed Goodwin would also be missing, Francis had to call upon the services of reserve players from the B and C teams in the shape of Ivor Salter, Norman O’Connor and Ian Davies. In the event, the stand-ins put up some very creditable performances, although it was always going to be a tough match overall.
The game of the match was the board 2 clash between William Bates and David Everington. William chose an unusual line against David’s Caro Kann and soon whipped up a dangerous attack, sacrificing material along the way. As is often the case, David was a move or two away from consolidating but William kept up the pressure and the initiative to checkmate in the end. This game features in the interesting games section.
Around the same time, Glyn Pugh secured victory against Ivor Salter and it was looking pretty difficult for Shrewsbury already. On top board, the encounter between Francis Best and Adrian Zdanowski very quickly simplified to a blocked endgame where it was difficult for either side to make progress. A draw was agreed soon afterwards.
On boards 4 and 5, things looked more hopeful for the visitors. Norman O’Connor was a piece up against Jim O’Neil, while Ian Davies appeared to be unleashing a dangerous attack against Gary White’s king. A double victory would at least draw the match, of course.
By this time, however, the clock was beginning to play its part; with insufficient time to unravel the complications and make progress, both Shrewsbury players agreed to a draw, resulting in a victory to Priorslee Lions.
- F. Best ½-½ A. Zdanowski
- D. Everington 0-1 W. Bates
- I. Salter 0-1 G. Pugh
- N. O’Connor ½-½ J. O’Neil
- I Davies ½-½ G. White