Banks V Insurance

Match report Insurance

Our first Bronowski Trophy match to be played over 14 boards. All our players arrived at or soon after the start, so I could act as non-playing captain. After half an hour United Banks defaulted boards 3 and 10, as their players had not turned up, so Ian Reynolds and Tony Paish had wasted journeys. At the same time John Philpott drew with John Skipworth. An early draw seemed to suit both players. John Philpott thought it was a half point we had gained, rather than lost. An hour later Mark Rich drew – there had never seemed much advantage for either side, though Mark had an isolated queen side pawn. Soon afterwards Julian Farrand drew on top board. Paul Barclay then produced our first full point over the board, followed by wins for Messrs Hunnable, Malcolm, Page and Kent. David Sedgwick was a rook and several pawns up against two minor pieces against Ian Heppell, and Ian seemed to have chances until he lost another pawn, which gave David united passed pawns. David then duly won a complicated game. Ian Calvert was a pawn down for a long time, but managed to steer the game into a position where the extra pawn could not be promoted, so escaped with a draw. A good rearguard action! Brian Atkinson was three pawns up, but managed to reach a position where his king was trapped on the side of the board, and mate could not be prevented. United Banks’ only win! Michael Wiltshire eventually outplayed his opponent in the quickplay finish to win the last game to be completed, and to give us an 11-3 win. A good start to the Bronowski Trophy season! -- Geoff Naldrett https://bronowskitrophy.wordpress.com/records/competitions/2005-2006/

Daniel Lindner