Press Report 24th November 2017

In Torbay League Division 2, South Hams visited Newton Abbot and narrowly lost by 2½ - 1½, with a win for Phil McConnell, a draw for Ben Wilkinson, and defeats for David Archer and Chris Wilkinson. This means that the three teams in Division 2 – South Hams, Torbay and Newton Abbot – have all played 2, won 1, and lost 1. The division is developing into a very good contest. In the Devon County Chess Association Mamhead Challenge Cup (a Saturday league), Sough Hams was at home to Newton Abbot. In a very tight match, with four close games, the result was an honourable 2 – 2 draw, with wins for Steve Levy and Phil McConnell, and defeats for David Archer and James Schofield.

In the internal leagues, the club is buzzing with the shock of the season: in the Homan League, Club Champion Steve Lost his 100% record with a defeat at the hands of Roy Greenhalgh. Roy played an outstanding game, and, when Steve made an uncharacteristic error in the late middle game, he punished Steve ruthlessly.

The Dunleavy League continues to be very active and competitive. Phil McConnell, whose lead is now unassailable, beat James Schofield; two days later James Schofield beat Zak Zaffiro. John Belli and Alan Davies fought out a draw, with John gallantly offering the draw when he could have claimed a win through the “touch a piece, move a piece” rule. Ken Ashby beat John Belli in a game which swung dramatically in the last two moves. Jim Savage obtained an excellent draw against Dennis Russell, Alan Davies beat Richard Thomas, and James Fowler beat Noah Farrand, It’s beginning to look as if 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th places will be contested by Ken Ashby, James Fowler, Alan Davies and James Schofield.