Press Report 10th November 2017

A loaded week of internal games at the South Hams Chess Club saw some fierce competition in both internal divisions. In the Homan League three hard fought games saw Steve Levy remain unbeaten when he won his game against Chris Wilcox. This was certainly Steve’s toughest test so far this season. In other Homan games David Archer beat Roy Greenhalgh, while Ben Wilkinson was held to a draw by Clifford Peach in the longest game of the evening.

In the competitive Dunleavy League with promotion spots closely contested, there were no major surprises; but young Zak Zaffiro had a great result against third place James Fowler holding him to a draw. Then on Saturday James lost to Phil McConnell which has now seen his promotion hopes fade. Other results saw Alan Davies beat Oliver Zaffiro with James Schofield beating Dennis Russell, showing James’s end game skills in desperate time trouble. Phil McConnell had to hold on grimly to force a win against Jim Savage. Jim came back from the dead to raise Phil’s blood pressure in this one. Ken Ashby beat Noah Farrand while Barry Sweetman was held to a draw by John Belli.

The Dunleavy League is now looking very fascinating indeed with Phil McConnell looking uncatchable - five points clear. The other promotion places are beginning to take shape with all the pre-season favourites slowly rising to the top. James Fowler, who looked like splitting them, is just beginning to crack under the pressure of playing top games on a weekly basis; but still has chances of turning results around.