Derby D Win Against League Newcomers
On Tuesday (12/11/24) Derby D played the new league team; Wirksworth Feathers. They were keen and punctual, seated and ready to play by 7.15pm and even helped set-up the chess boards. They commented that our boards are the best they have played on.
Chris was running late and his opponent Jack waited a few minutes before starting his clock. This was a short game and the first to finish with a defeat for Chris.
Next to finish was Alan, down a pawn but he ultimately turned it round to win.
Garry won his game, despite being on the defensive for most of it. He found a speculative tactic and to his surprise, his opponent fell into it, turning the game on its head. Garry was now on the offensive and won.
Mine was the final game to finish, with the knowledge that a win or draw would seal the team victory. My opponent moved his Queen on the second move to retake a pawn, which I used to gain time while developing my pieces. As ever, the game felt tighter than it seemed to the gathering spectators, watching the closing stages. I had a rook, bishop and 3 pawns against my opponent’s rook. However he proved persistent to the end, running down my clock. I was able to secure mate with a few minutes remaining.
Excellent winning result for the team with myself deputising as captain for Colin Ross.
| Derby D | 3 - 1 | Wirksworth Feathers | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cole, Chris | 1624 | 0 - 1 | Caulton, Jack | u/g |
| 2 | Kennedy, Alan | 1617 | 1 - 0 | Hall, David | 1728 |
| 3 | Sands, Garry | 1555 | 1 - 0 | Martinez, Javi | 1610 |
| 4 | Samra, Mohinderpal | 1365 | 1 - 0 | Graham, Rick | u/g |
Mohinderpal Samra 12/11/24
(Note from Kevin - I think it is fantastic that we have a new club in the league. Even before the pandemic we have seen the bigger clubs get bigger and smaller clubs fall by the wayside. John Potter (of Belper, who helped organise) and the members of the new club should be lauded for having the initiative (and persistence) to set up a new club from scratch!)