Lytham 1 V Preston 2

Press / Admin Comment

This was a really entertaining evening of old, not-so-old, and new rivalries across the 4 boards. Lytham were delighted to have Paul back on Board 1 and Pete seemed to be equally happy to be facing Paul over the board again. Paul sprang a surprise in the opening, which they both visibly enjoyed (@Pete - please let us in on the fun!), but the sting was soon neutralised and their game was the first to finish: a draw. The other 3 boards were all long struggles.... On board 2, Jim got an edge in the middle game, which he maintained into an ending which John felt was immediately resignable, but John continued to battle on in view of what was happening on boards 3 and 4.... In spite of a couple of minor pieces being exchanged, Phil still had enough ammunition to launch a strong and lasting king-side attack. When this ultimately failed to break through, Colin was still close to losing on time, but just made it to the first time control as the game transitioned into an endgame. Phil continued to press for the full point but mishandled his queen-side pawns, which led to everything being traded off, except for a bishop and few pawns each. Neither king could infiltrate, the bishops danced back and forth, and a draw was agreed. On board 4, Hambel and Dave renewed their recent rivalry with another sharp and interesting game (too sharp and interesting for me to work out what was really going on!). Dave got an edge going into the endgame with an outside passed pawn and the 2 bishops against Hambel's knight and bishop. When Hambel had to give up her bishop for Dave's passed pawn, she still managed to fight on and generate drawing chances, even with her clock running dangerously low. Dave ultimately navigated the final tricks and found the way to push through another pawn and with that gain the win. Back on board 2, John was still fighting a rearguard action to gain the draw that would have given Lytham an unlikely win, but Jim never let slip his advantage of an extra pawn and more active king and knight to secure the point that leveled up the match. Great to have such a competitive match played in such good spirit. Thanks to all!

Colin Walker