Highcliffe V Bournemouth

Press / Admin Comment

Bournemouth Board 2 K.Smith Board 3 R.Halse Board 4 Matt Smith Board 7 R.Salinger

Richard Ursell

Match report

Heavy rain was forecast for the match, we had of course booked the garden, a location that had served us well. Being a proactive captain I activated the wet weather protocol, and we were transferred to the skittle alley. Bournemouth turned up with 4 brave soldiers ready to do battle , outnumbered three to one by the battle hardened pub chess specialists and 2024 champions Highcliffe. We shared out the players to make the match as even as possible. There were tears of course as no one wanted to play against their beloved Highcliffe. Bribes and beers sorted out this issue and the match begun. Dan and Christian started us off nicely with a two nil lead and we were faring well in all matches. Susan dealt the key blow that took us to 4 1/2 points the goal for victory, Bournemouth at this point looked broken. Then the true spirit of chess arose like a phoenix from the ashes and spontaneous conversations broke out across the alley. Bournemouth were generous in defeat and hands were shook, and it all ended well. In view of our success I will be donating a shield for this fantastic competition which hopefully will be contested for decades to come ! Best to all RU

Richard Ursell