Poole E V Southbourne D

Southbourne D return to top of the table

17 May. John Harris, the Southbourne Captain reported that "Poole made us work hard on every board. David's (Arorash) game was 70 moves and mine over 60". The Southbourne team out graded Poole 450-383 and the win returns them to 1st place in the battle with Poole D & Wimborne E to decide who will be promoted. It has been a very good season for Southbourne D, who have been leaders in this division for most of the season and were the last unbeaten team in all 5 divisions. Poole E have also had a good season, even though often out graded. They averaged just more than a point a game, won more than they lost and were in with a promotion chance right up to near the end of the season. In this match John Harris, David Arorash and Chris Lane all won for Southbourne. But the win by Christine Roberts on board 3 for Poole may be significant in the final reckoning. It means if Poole D and Wimborne E draw the final Div 4 match of the season next Thursday, Southbourne D will finish equal on league points with these 2 teams, but lose out to Poole D by just 1 games point difference, and it would be the Poole team who emerge as champions. Wimborne E have to win that match at North Road to be champions themselves. So, just like the other divisions this season, all incredibly close and exciting - very little to chose between many of the teams

Mike Jay