Preston 1 V Preston 2

Press / Admin Comment

A shock result here with Preston 1 out-grading Preston 2 on all boards. Rob Hanson has not made himself available for Preston 1 this season and Preston 2 were without Peter Thompson. From my observations which were brief due to struggles in my own game, I can say that Peter Jowett had the better of things against Brett Lund and deserved his win. Malcolm Peacock was his usual clinical self on board 2 putting Conor Reaney under severe pressure until he could hold out no more. I preferred the look of Clifford Rutlidges' position against Graham Ashcroft. He had a very strong Knight encamped in enemy territory, but he was getting in time trouble. I didn't see what happened next, but a draw was eventually agreed. Similarly on board 5 Bill Moffatt appeared to have the better of things against Paul O'Mara, despite material being equal and a draw was agreed. Now I have to admit that I managed to use my "get out of jail free" card in the final game of the night. Carl Tillotson had played very well and we went into time control with him a passed pawn up. I had earlier mistakenly traded a good bishop for a knight thinking I could win a pawn, only to realise that if I did take the pawn my position would likely crumble as a result. This ensured Carl had an advantage going into the endgame. With things looking a bit grim I tried the only thing possible and attacked his king position with Rook and Knight. At this point Carl went wrong and decided to win further material, which allowed me to push a pawn towards his king and he could not prevent a winning attack as I managed a get a queen back with the assistance of Knight and Rook. So perhaps it was a slightly fortuitous victory for Preston 2, but on the night my team played well and deserved something from the match.

Phil Taylor