Lytham 1 V Lytham 2

Press / Admin Comment

The Rapidplay grades used were 1897+1900+1786+1620=7203 for Lytham 1 and 1974+1658+1654+1447=6733 for Lytham 2, meaning that to win on handicap, Lytham 1 needed to score 5 points and Lytham 2 needed to score 3.5. Lytham 1 got off to a flying start in the first half of the match, with William, Phil and Dave all gaining an advantage from the opening, which they carefully converted into a full point; and John clawed his way back from being 2 pawns down against Darren to salvage a draw; 3.5-0.5 at the interval. Oliver struck back quickly in the second half, using his 2 hyperactive knights to deliver a stunning checkmate almost straight out of the opening. The other games were slipping from Lytham 2's grasp though, and William and John secured the wins that got Lytham 1 over the winning line. Dave was a rook to the good and seemed to be on the verge of putting the icing on the cake, but said rook unwisely wandered over to the queenside, allowing Torrin to turn the tables with his two passed pawns on the kingside. "A nice swindle, Torrin?", I suggested; "All carefully calculated!", smiled Torrin. So overall, a most enjoyable match.... and good to see that there are plenty of players making a case for selection in the 1st team next season. Well done to all.

Colin Walker