Fylde Individual Championship (report supplied by John Cooper)

Fourth round results

An outbreak of draws at the top in this round leaves the outcome of this season’s Fylde Championship still undecided. David Andrews has lost his 100% record by drawing against me but he remains clear favourite to win the Championship at his first attempt. After some early pressure against David I found myself in time-trouble and had to bail out with a draw by repetition.

Doug and Oleg had an even more peaceful draw, not really what they were looking for at  this stage. However, Michael Parker had a good win against Leo who got into trouble after castling on the queenside in a Sicilian. Michael is now in joint second place with me and will get a chance to topple the leader in the final round.

Steve Lamb and Phil Raynor did well against George Ellison and Dennis Davies respectively. Phil Raynor fought back to win after losing material following a kingside attack by Dennis. Pat Coleman gets off the mark after winning a bishop and attacking  Les’ white king.

The draw for the fifth (and final) round, which is to be completed by 30 April is as follows:-

Rapidplay Knockout Cup

Blackpool 1 v Bispham  7½-½

Bispham were heavily outgraded on every board although Alison Screen performed miracles against Neil Coward who is 90 grading points higher than herself.  It was this draw that saved Bispham from the whitewash.

Poulton v Lytham 1½-6½

By a remarkable coincidence both teams totalled the same number of grading points.  Having lost to Poulton in the Challenge Cup, Lytham won this encounter surprisingly easily.  Honours were shared on top board - Oleg Cukovs v Doug Williams - both winning their games with the Black pieces.  For once, John Cooper got the better of George Ellison, winning the first round with only one minute to spare.  Lytham's Phil Copeland and Phil Raynor took the full points against quality opposition, Graham Ball and Martin Johnson, respectively.

The Final will see Blackpool (the newly-crowned Division A Champions) take on Lytham:  if both teams are at full strength this should be a cracker of a match - exciting and nail-biting.

Div C

Blackpool 2 v Preston 3  2-2

At last the Preston 3 steamroller came to a halt.  With Steve Lamb and Dennis Davies on the top two boards, Blackpool were always in with a chance.  Dave McCormick scored a vital draw to level the tie.

Poulton 2 v Lytham Ex 5  3½-½

Poulton keeping up the pressure on for the second spot with a comfortable win over Lytham 5.  Preston 3 appear to be home and dry, only needing two points from their last three matches.  Dave Hartley (former League Chairman) added to his remarkable record this season - only one loss with five wins and three draws.

Bispham v Poulton 3  3-1

Another player who has had an excellent season is Bispham's top board, Blaine McGrady, who won again to maintain his undefeated record with five wins and two draws.

Lytham Ex 4 v Poulton 2  1½-2½

Dave Hartley again won his game on top board for Poulton.  Junior James McConnachie took half a point from the experience Keith Sansom.  On Board 4, Charles Cooper lost out to the improving Abigail Pritchard - there being a mere 80 years age difference!