Over the last two weeks South Hams Chess Club have been mega busy, continuing to play most of their Internal Club matches on Thursday nights as it would have been if the club were able to meet at the Regal Club, which has kept interest alive and thriving.
The online chess league has a slightly different look to it with Steve Dickinson topping it with 5/5 and Steve Levy on 4/5, but being followed closely by Tony Tatam and Phil McConnell. Fourteen players form the league and everyone is very much able to spring surprise results; as James Fowler did when he drew with David Archer. In another game the first Internet blip occurred in the match between Clifford Peach and Richard Thomas with Clifford a pawn up but down 15mins on the clock. They had to agree a draw when one of the screens of the players froze and both players agreed the draw.
In other games Chris Wilcox beat Alan Davies, James Schofield beat Ken Ashby, Steve Dickinson beat Arthur Doble and on Tuesday evening beat James Fowler, Trevor Hurt lost to Tony Tatam while Tony Tatam also drew with Phil McConnell and in another close encounter Steve Levy beat Clifford Peach.
All players are playing for the top two spots by Christmas, which will decide who will then go on for the clubs final at the end of the season for being Club Champion. The 2nd half of the season has the same format and the next two highest finishing players will make it a four player shoot out for being club champion.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the chess clubs activities please look online at southhamschessclub.com or phone Phil McConnell 01803 834135.