It was, ultimately, a disappointing night in the South Cheshire Shield last night. An away match at Crewe 'B', who were minus their top board due to illness, had been expected to produce a win and extend our lead at the top of the table. We got off to a flyer, with me quickly winning my game on board 2 in less than 30 minutes. Ernie and Chris on boards 3 and 4 also both looked to have good positions but Kasian was in a less healthy position on board 1 against an opponent he had already beaten a couple of weeks earlier. Chris went the exchange up and, with his opponent lacking any counterplay, finished him off. Ernie was in a brilliant position on board 3. He was a pawn up, and with a strong attack beginning to materialise, when he decided to blunder a Bishop away. He had a couple of pawns for the Bishop but, by then, his position had rapidly deteriorated and his winning position had been converted into a loss, and the team's winning position had been converted into a 2 - 2 draw, as Kasian was unable to salvage anything from his game on board 1. Click here for the match score card. On the bright side, 2nd placed Crewe 'A' were beaten at Newcastle so we have retained our 3 point lead at the top of the table.
