Challenge Cup

Poulton v Morecambe  3½ - 4½

In this semi-final encounter, Poulton were undismayed by the strength of Morecambe's side:  Roy Ellames and George Ellison excelled by scoring 1½ points out of 2 on the top boards.  There were two unexpected wins by Malcolm Wilkinson and Les Hughes on the lower boards - both had been brought in as last minute substitutes.

Lytham v Preston  2 - 6

In the second semi-final, Preston turned up with an extraordinarily strong team under their captain, Peter Thompson, on bottom board graded 132.  Lytham's sole victory came from John Regan in the last game to finish - John had two rooks and bishop against a queen.  Both players were desperately short of time in the allegro finish but the Preston player's flag was the first to fall.

Doug Williams and Leo Ainsworth did well to hold former Lytham player, Peter Jowett, and Malcolm Peacock to draws.

Challenge Cup Final

Preston v Morecambe  5 - 3

Thanks to Glenn House for this account of the Final.  Bob Taylor won quickly and easily on board 4 versus Michael Addy.  Michael played a sharp Nimzovich opening but went wrong early in the tactics.

On board 2 Peter Jowett had the White pieces against John Lyth.  Peter had a tiny edge from a delayed Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation but then blundered a pawn.  Peter tried to bail out with a draw offer but John played on for a few moves until a couple of mistakes by John increased his opponent's activity.  John then returned the draw offer which was accepted.

Glenn played a solid game with White against Brett Lund on board 1.  He had hoped for another Sicilian Kan since earlier in the season he had outplayed Brett tactically in the middle game using this opening.  Instead they played an Indian Defence and although Black was saddled with a weak pawn on d6, Black's activity restrained White's ambitions and appeared to maintain the balance.  With both players assessing the position as level and with clock times being identical, Brett offered a draw which was accepted.  Further analysis by Glenn after the game revealed that he had the opportunity to win a pawn and gain a commanding position so acceptance of the draw was probably the wrong decision.

The match scores reached Preston 4 - 3 up with the final game to finish on board 3 between Phil Seery and Malcolm Peacock.  This had been a very tight game with Phil playing white, gradually getting the upper hand until he created an irresistible attack coming up to the move 35 time control.  Both players were short of time with the flags teetering on the edge.  As expected the attack came crashing through with Phil's 35th move threatening mate in one.  Malcolm could give up a piece to avoid the mate but, with a clear conscience he could now resign.  So, with a win bringing the scores to 4 - 4, Morecambe would be the cup winners by amy tiebreak method, whether board count or elimination of bottom board.  Alas for Morecambe, Malcolm did not need to resign.  Although Phil had made his 35th move his flag was no longer standing.  Malcolm claimed the win on time and this gave Preston their victory.

Rapidplay KO Cup Final

Poulton 3 v Poulton 2  2 - 6

Poulton 2 had to win by at least 6½ - 1½ and considering that the youngsters of Poutlon 3 were heavily outgraded (by over 300 points) the result appeared to be a foregone conclusion.  Not so!  Thanks to eight year old Jordan Lewis scoring wins against Marjorie Ellison the youngsters were victorious.

Rapidplay KO Plate Final

Blackpool 2 v Lytham 2  6 - 2

Heavily outgraded, Lytham just needed 2½ points to clinch victory but it was not to be.  At the half way stage Lytham were level on 2 - 2 but Blackpool won all of their second round games.

Division A

Preston 2 v Morecambe  3 - 2

Preston 1 had already taken the title in this division so the result was academic.  However, Morecambe suffered an unexpected loss.  Phil Seery and Norman Blade were defeated by Alan Pidcock and Cliff Rutlidge. 

Division B

Poulton 1 v Blackpool 2  2 - 2

Blackpool 2, pressing for the title, had to settle for a draw.  There was little to choose between the two teams.  Simon Rogers and Abigail Pritchard shared the point after a long game where both players were desperately short of time in the allegro finish.  

Lytham Ex 2 v Preston 3  2 - 2

All of the players drew in this match resulting in the title being shared with Blackpool 2.  Both teams had the same number of points and the same board difference.

Division C

Lytham Ex 3 v Poulton 2  4 - 0

Lytham Ex 3 clinched second spot with this easy win.  Bispham had already taken the title.