Morecambe V Lancaster 'A'

Quickplay Final

Lancaster A's board 2 fell prey to covid and had to withdraw from this important fixture, but the busiest player of our season, young Nikodem Wolnik, stepped up at late notice to become the only player in the match to record two good wins. Danny won his first game against Sean but neither player could break through in the return match - which ended in a 'they shall not pass' king and pawn endgame. I failed to find a win in a bishop of opposite colours endgame, which Nick defended stoutly. In our second game one or two defensive errors by Nick allowed me to launch an unstoppable assault on his king. But the drama of the match was mostly on top board, where Glenn held his nerve to claim a win in a bullet finish in the first game, but Dave got his revenge in the rematch, playing a superb game on the black side of a Glenn-trademarked KIA. Dave launched a creative and vicious assault on the white king and though Glenn defended with characteristic resourcefulness, Dave's bold and dynamic play ultimately forced a neat mate. A game to rival Dave's win against Glenn in the league for game of the season. Congratulations to all the clubs and teams, and our controller Lawrence, for seeing a difficult season through to an ultimately successful conclusion. Let's hope that the next season will see covid less of a concern, permitting the return of those players who have needed to be covid-shielding.

Barry Hymer