Fenton Out Of Intermediate Cup

Fenton exited the Intermediate (U1600) Cup last night following a 2.5 - 2.5 draw against Alsager. With the match also level on board count it went to board elimination, giving the match to Alsager by 2.5 - 1.5. If anybody would like an explanation of how board count and board elimination work, you can click here for an explanation.

Overall it was a very disappointing evening as we outrated Alsager by almost 700 points. There was the usual draw for Steve on board 1, plus wins for Jay and Mycle on boards 2 and 5.  Click here to view the full match score card.

2023 Fenton Rapidplay Championship

It's a few months away yet, but the 2023 Fenton Rapidplay Championship will be held over two evenings - Monday 22nd May and Monday 5th June (the intervening Monday 29th May is a Bank Holiday). It will be a Swiss tournament over 6 rounds, with 3 rounds on each evening. The rate of play will be 15 minutes plus 5 second increments. If there is a tie then, time permitting, there will be a play-off immediately following the 6th round. If this is not possible then the play-off will be the following Monday 12th June.

I don't need entries just yet, but make a note of the dates in your diary. I will probably want entries finalised by Monday 15th May.

'C' Team Draw At Meir

The 'C' team were held to a 2-2 draw at Meir last night - or they held Meir to a draw - whatever way you want to look at it !! There was a particularly fine result on board 1 where Jay held Steve Hill, rated almost 300 points higher than him, to a draw. Matt drew on board 3 while Phil, on possibly his swan song, won on board 4. Phil is, unfortunately, leaving the Club due to family committments. He will be missed but, hopefully, will return some time in the future.

Click here for last night's match score card.

Fenton v Crewe - Open Cup - Match Report

Ray was team Captain last night, in my absence, and has provided the following, more comprehensive, match report:

Alex had a superb attacking position with 2 strong bishops but lost the thread and allowed a deadly counterattack. Petru saw his position quickly become ragged as his opponent exchanged everything to leave an easy pawn ending. Kas defended well for most of his game but ended up pinned down and in a mating net. Chris's game was double-edged but he loosened his position too much. Glyn allowed his opponent too much space and freedom on the kingside. Smooth performance by Karl Lockett. Out of a QGD, Ray caught his opponent in a neat trap, winning a piece and the ending.

Fenton Hammered In Open Cup

It was a disastrous night for Fenton as we were hammered 5-1 at home by Crewe in the Open Cup. A win for Ray on board 5 was all that stood between us and a whitewash. Click here for the match score card. I was not at the Club so unable to give a detailed report on the match. The only incident that I have been told about is that Petru's phone rang twice during his game. His opponent could have claimed the game but sportingly allowed Petru to play on - not that it did him much good !!

Crewe will now play Alsager in the Final.

Warwick University Rapidplay

Chris and Jay both played in the Major Section of the Warwick University Rapidplay yesterday. Chris finished joint 6th with 4.5/7 and Jay finished joint 21st with 3/7.