Fylde Individual Championship (Report by John Cooper)

I am sorry to report that, because of the pressure of other commitments, Steve Lamb was unable to play his outstanding 2^nd Round game against Paul Evans and has decided to withdraw from this Championship. Steve’s withdrawal came after the 3^rd Round draw had been issued and resulted in a default win for Doug Williams, who would have been Steve’s 3^rd Round opponent. Apart from this, however, all 3^rd round games were completed in good time and there were no draws.

A good round for Black with 5 wins out of 6 games played! I have had Black against Oleg in the Championship before, both last year and in 2005, and have achieved just one draw and one loss, so this was a distinct improvement. Although I enjoyed an early initiative, Oleg forced the exchange of queens but then allowed me an advanced passed pawn. We entered a K+5 pawns endgame on move 31 but Oleg had to concede the game some 22 moves later.

Paul Evans sacrificed a pawn against George but George defended solidly for 50 moves and Paul had insufficient compensation. Pat Coleman reached a complicated position against Michael Parker, with good chances for both players in a very open and attacking game. Pat got into serious time-trouble and tells me that some rash moves led to his defeat.

Les lost a piece early on against Leo and soldiered on until the time-control but could not recover.  Young Abigail beat Blackpool’s experienced Jon Wright, thus doubling her score and showing that her win against Phil Raynor in Round 2 was not just a flash in the pan. She now joins a group of strong players sharing equal 3^rd place.

Phil Raynor chalked up his first win by beating Poulton’s Ian Wright.

Division A

Preston 2 v Blackpool 1  1 - 4

Blackpool put the pressure on Preston 1 with this clear cut win over Preston 2.  Blackpool 1 have eight points from five games whereas Preston 1 have five points from four games.  As the present holders they are now favourites to retain the title.  Captain Andy Jaques and Michael Parker both have excellent records and are still unbeaten:  Andy has won 2 and drawn 2 and Michael has won 3 and drawn 2.  

Lytham 1 v Preston 1  3 - 2

Sensation!!!  Lytham completed the double over Preston 1 for the first time ever.  For Lytham, Doug Williams made a devastating attack on Connor Reaney's king winning in less than one hour.  On top board, Peter Jowett struggled against the League's strongest player, Brett Lund, and lost in the endgame.  Phil Raynor had an impressive position on the white side of a Benko gambit but blundered at a crucial point in the game.  Lytham were 1-2 down.  Captain, John Cooper, who has had a very good season, won a pawn against Bob Taylor and went into a rook and four pawns versus rook and three pawns ending.  With correct play it should have been a draw but Bob Taylor had to play quickly to avoid losing on time.  John forced a passed pawn through to tie the scores at 2-2.  Star veteran, Leo Ainsworth, turned a slight advantage into a win by his solid play.  A fine result which leaves Blackpool 90% certain to retain the title.

Division B

Lytham Ex 2 v Poulton 1  2½ - 1½

Lytham Ex 2 continue to pile up the points but Morecambe remain a real threat to their title hopes with games in hand.  For Lytham, on top board, Doug Williams took his revenge on George Ellison who had beaten him in the Fylde Individual Championship - Doug remains unbeaten with two wins and four draws.  For Poulton, Simon Rogers had been an inspiration to his team winning all five of his games in the League.  

Morecambe v Blackpool 2  3 - 1

Morecambe keeping up the pressure at the top of the table.

Division C

Lytham Ex 3 v Poulton 2  1 - 3

These teams were very evenly matched in terms of grading points.  A fine team effort by Poulton was led by Dave Hartley who took half a point from Phil Copeland (graded forty points higher than himself).  The youngsters of the Poulton side, James McConnachie and Abigail Pritchard, both came through with flying colours.  Chris McConnachie, Captain, completed the final tally.  Before the match these two sides were neck and neck in terms of the League standings - this leaves Poulton with a slight edge and a much better board difference.  Chris McConnachie has scored six straight wins and Abigail Pritchard is also unbeaten for the second team with three wins and a draw.

Poulton 3 v Lytham Ex 3  2 - 2

Poulton 3 did their second string a big favour by taking a point from title contenders, Lytham Ex 3.  For Lytham, Ricky Lord is unbeaten while playing for the third team.