Two teams have already broken clear of the pack in the race for the Shropshire Chess League division one title – and it’s not even Halloween yet.
Reigning champions Telepost A made it four wins from four with an important 3.5-1.5 win away to third place Telford A, while Maddocks A squeezed past Newport A 3-2 to remain just one point further back – and condemn their much-fancied visitors to a second defeat in three matches.
Already a four-point gap has opened up between second-placed Maddocks and third-placed Telford, and although several of the teams in the chasing pack have a game in hand on the top two they won’t want the gap getting any bigger. Both sides have benefitted from largely being able to field settled sides so far – and their first meeting in Oakengates on January 23 promises to be a fascinating affair. Both sides have tricky assignments to navigate until then – Telepost A this week travel to a Newport A side determined to get back to winning ways, while Maddocks A will host an experienced Oswestry A outfit on November 21.
At the bottom of the table, Shrewsbury A and Darwinian Knights A both picked up their first points of the season as they drew their basement battle at Cromwell’s Tap House. After the first three games to finish ended in draws, Stephen Priestley put Shrewsbury ahead by beating James Holyhead on board three, but Kate Walker equalised for the visitors in the final game with victory over home skipper Dan Lockett. It means just two points separates third to seventh in the table. Shrewsbury travel to Oswestry A on Halloween in the week’s other fixture.
Newport B have made up for their A team’s woes by moving top of division three. They won 3-1 at Darwinian Knights Junior to leapfrog Shrewsbury B, and now have three wins from three matches. The chasing pack will have opportunities to make up ground this week – Darwinian Knights Junior will host a Newport Junior B side still searching for their first point, while Shrewsbury B will host Darwinian Knights C in a local derby.
Meanwhile, the county’s junior chess scene is continuing to thrive, with many youngsters competing in regional competitions. A healthy contingent from the county travelled to the recent Birmingham Junior Open, and the standout individual performance came from Newport’s Waylon Chan who scored 4/5 in the under 18s Group A. His performance rating of 1799 helped him win a silver medal.
Finally, the first matches have been played in this year’s Shropshire Minor Individual. Telford duo Richard Thompson and Stefan Tennant and Shrewsbury’s David Edwards have all won their opening round fixtures.
To see full league results and scores and individual competitions, visit www.shropshirechess.org