Somerset CA 1 V Cornwall CCA 1

Match Report

I have copied Jamie Morgan's Match report which is also available at: http://www.cornwallchess.org.uk/html/archive-county/county-2023.shtml With respect to our opponents, it feels to me as if the result flatters Somerset to some extent: we won the top four mini-match, held our own (no thanks to yours truly) with the top eight boards, and were outrated, often heavily, from board 4 downwards. Nevertheless of course, congratulations to Somerset on their victory. I'd like to say something profound about the games but, through neglect and/or ignorance (please forgive the latter at least), will highlight just a few moments that caught my attention during play: Ian quoting Botvinnik: "...a game only of interest to the players..."; Rich's protracted pause after his opponent's 1...e6! (channeling Bronstein, perhaps?); Andy's significant knight fork (and subsequent near-victory); Nigel's enterprising Exchange sacrifice; my opponent's disdain at my stubborn (not to mention futile) refusal to resign; Lloyd's pawn endgame wisdom; Jeremy's decisive winning tactic; and finally but not leastly, Petra's 'moral victory' (draw agreed, pawn-up in the endgame). Very many thanks to everyone for your efforts, again both on and off the board - Victory Hall has excellent facilities yet maybe Exminster is not the most easily accessible of venues, on a Sunday at least. Thanks especially to Rich, Lloyd and Nigel for their essential chauffeuring services. Jamie Morgan

Graham Stuart