Shrewsbury’s over-the-board team will look to end a difficult campaign on a high note tomorrow night (Friday) – after it was mathematically confirmed the side will finish bottom of the Shropshire Chess League division one table.
Newport A’s 3-2 win over Oswestry on Tuesday night means Shrewsbury cannot overhaul Oswestry, even if they win their final match against Newport at the Nerdy Café.
New member Will Apted is in line for a competitive debut for Shrewsbury, which would make him the club’s third debutant of the season following in the footsteps of Robin Nayman and Richard Vernon.
Club officials hope that the experience gained by new members this season in the tough surroundings of the county’s top flight will stand them in good stead for future campaigns – especially if the club is able to field a second over-the-board team next season.
The coronavirus outbreak and subsequent necessities of social distancing and suspensions of league chess over the past two years have had a serious effect on the club, with many of Shrewsbury’s long-standing members either taking a break from the game or playing online only.
But the arrival of new players, the move to the Nerdy Café and growing numbers of visitors at fortnightly club nights have offered hope for the future.
Apted himself has been a regular face at club nights in recent months, gaining valuable experience by playing friendlies against established players before trying his hand at competitive matches.
As for the future of the club’s first team, as the league structure for the 2022/23 season is not likely to be finalised until the summer it is not yet known whether finishing bottom of the table with result in relegation to division two.
Newport A themselves have had an inconsistent season and looked at one point as if they might be sucked into the battle at the bottom. But a strong recent run of form has seen them confirm a second place finish, and they will come into the season finale in high spirits.
Friday’s match will start at 7.30pm. It will be an official club night with an obvious emphasis being placed on the league fixture, but spectators are welcome.
Next week’s planned club night will not take place due to bank holidays being in force for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The next club night at Nerdy will be held on June 17.