Preston V Poulton

Press / Admin Comment

Geoff Pennington recently leant me a book : Preston in 50 Buildings. It lists the 50 most beautiful, captivating, historic and iconic buildings in Preston. Strangely Jalgos isn’t in it. Board 1 : Fairly early draw Board 2 : Paul went on the attack but weakened his own king-side with g5. Malcolm activated his rooks and was putting pressure on the g5 pawn when Paul got his queen trapped on h6 and was going to lose it for a knight when he resigned. Board 3 : Going into the endgame all pieces had been swapped off , apart from us both having a dark squared bishop. I had 4 pawn ‘islands’, three of which were on dark squares and I mistakenly believed that I could hold out for a draw.I didn’t play particularly well at this stage but Jacub skilfully started picking off the pawns and forced resignation. My second loss to a Poulton player in the last 2 weeks. At least Geoff’s book will help me to identify the most appropriate building to throw myself off ( only kidding folks !) Board 4 : Peter went for all out attack, his king remained in the centre, Phil soon won a piece. As pieces were exchanged he closed out for the inevitable win. Board 5 : Conor got a bishop trapped in the enemy camp and in order to save it weakened his own king and lost the exchange and a couple of pawns in the process. Paul eventually forced the win. Board 6 : Simon went for a successful pawn storm against the white king which destroyed the white defence. He was threatening mate with his queen and there was no defence. Board 7 : Keith invaded on the queen-side with his queen and eventually emerged a piece up which was enough for the win. Board 8 : Fine endgame technique by Carl saw him shepherding a pawn towards promotion despite being the exchange down. Well played and well done to Poulton. After the final game Captain Paul was presented with the Challenge Cup.

Graham Ashcroft