Shrewsbury B remain top of Shropshire Online Chess League division two after a creditable draw with local heavyweights Newport A – while the Cs have also picked up their first win of the season.
The Bs could be forgiven for wondering if they could have gone on to win against their more illustrious opponents on Thursday evening. But they remain unbeaten and top of the table with two wins and a draw from their first three fixtures.
Meanwhile, Shrewsbury C continued the club’s fine record in derbies against neighbours Telepost this season, this time defeating Telepost D 2.5-0.5 in impressive style.
Tuesday’s win meant the Bs and Cs were first and second in the division for 48 glorious hours – until Newport leapfrogged them on Thursday.
Newport have been the dominant force in over-the-board chess in Shropshire over the past decade – but were beaten to last season’s title (played online only) by Telepost A and have opted to line up in division two of the online league this season.
They only featured one recognised first teamer against the Bs in Ian Jamieson, but did have fast-improving junior Daniel Hilditch-Love in their ranks.
Stephen Priestley’s excellent win with the black pieces against Hilditch-Love put the Bs ahead, and Mark Smith enjoyed the better of a draw against one of the county’s elite in Jamieson on top board.
Ivor Salter appeared to be the favourite on bottom board, where a draw would have sealed victory in the match.
But despite enjoying the better position and piling on the pressure during the middlegame, he exchanged into a lost rook ending. Opponent Andy Jones was in no mood to let his chance slip by, and brought home the full point very convincingly.
Captain Smith said he was delighted with his side’s effort, which sees them remain unbeaten and top of the table.
For the Cs, Norman O’Connor put in a man-of-the-match showing to defeat Kate Walker on top board. Some forceful play out of the opening saw O’Connor achieve a winning position that he confidently saw through. A fine performance (even if he did miss a mate in one at the end!
A wild game between Richard Vernon and Martin Ayres on board three thankfully went Richard’s way – his first win in Shrewsbury colours.
The final game on board two was a see-saw battle that saw Shrewsbury’s Tony Purser recover from a piece down against Dennis Bonner, then go a piece up before giving it back when short of time. That one finished as a draw.
Full scores:
Newport A 1.5-1.5 Shrewsbury B (Shrewsbury colours in brackets)
1. Ian Jamieson 0.5-0.5 Mark Smith (w)
2. Daniel Hilditch-Love 0-1 Stephen Priestley (b)
3. Andy Jones 1-0 Ivor Salter (w)
Telepost D 0.5-2.5 Shrewsbury C
1. Kate Walker 0-1 Norman O’Connor (w)
2. Dennis Bonner 0.5-0.5 Tony Purser (b)
3. Martin Ayres 0-1 Richard Vernon (w)