Press Report 10^th April 2020

On the 12th Mar the Rapidplay team had a visit from a determined Plymouth side who were hoping to halt the march of the league leaders. Steve Levy drew 1-1 with Michael Stinton-Brownbridge on top board, David Archer took 2 points from Rob Wilby on board 2, James Schofield managed 1.5-0.5 against Martin Quinn and Barry Sweetman lost both game against an in-form Brian Medhurst. On the night that made it 4.5 - 3.5 in South Hams favour. That result put South Hams out of reach as Champions of the Rapidplay League! Well played all those involved throughout the season.

With the Global Pandemic then causing the suspension of face to face games accross the UK in mid March, the club took the decision to move as much of the action as possible to an online format.

Moving online was a challenge and started slowly but as members got familiar with the format the number of games has rocketed. There are two new online leagues running at the South Hams Chess Club within the popular Chess.com website. Other clubs such as Exeter and the DCCA themselves have also set up an online presence and the interest from players is increasing dramatically.

Currently in the 'Corona Rapidplay' League there have been 12 games and the early signs are that Steve Levy is going to be 'The one to beat' as he sits out in front with 5 points from 6. Second place is currently James Fowler on 2.5 from 5 and in third we have a new South Hams Member causing a stir with Tony Tatum on a perfect 2 out of 2.

In the longer play 'Corona Standard Play League' there have been some tumultuous struggles already in the 27 games played so far. The big news is that Tony Tatum (that afore mentioned 'newbie') has already laid down the marker and sits at the top of the league with 5 points from 7.

(It must be noted that Tony Tatum was mentioned in a post from 31st October last year where he was congratulated for winning the World Amatuer Championship in Crete!! Watch out South Hams!)

Second place is currently Ken Ashby who has notched up 4.5 points from 9. Third sees Phil McConnell on a solid 4 points from 5. Fourth place has Steve Dickinson on 3.5 points from 5. and then the pack trails off with some players slow to get off the mark.

It was decided that to complete the original Internal League commitments the remaining fixtures would now be played online. In the Dunleavey League Phil McConnell was dismantled in clinical fashion by an in form Ken Ashby, and then Phil himself took that frustration out on Alan Davies in a game that saw them both try fresh ideas. Ken Ashby then unfortunately gifted a Bishop to David Archer who then made short work of the encounter to get the point and stretch his lead at the top.

With the games now coming thick and fast as everyone is locked down at home you can't take your eyes off the tables for a minute!