Press Report 27th May 2022

The South Hams Chess Club finished the season with little change in the top position of the Homan League, but it did see David Archer share the club championship with Steven Levy, who has been club champion for the past six seasons. David threw a huge spanner in the works of Steve’s plans of retaining the title of Club Champion when he won the first leg of the two game final. This put tremendous pressure on Steve, who then had to win his second game, with a draw not going to be good enough. Under time pressure David overlooked a complicated check mate. Both games were a credit to a long campaign of online and over the board matches, with both final games being played over the board.

In the club’s knockout Cookworthy Cup competition the same two players played yet again a two game final over the board. Steve Levy again came out on top winning both hard fought games.

It’s been an interesting season starting back last September, up until Christmas all games being played online and for the 2nd half most games being played over the board. Two other players making notable advances were Phil McConnell and Tony Tatam, but overall the club is pleased to have overcome a disjointed season, where some players have not wanted to play face to face games; others not wanting to play online which has to be said lacks tension, pressure and body language which plays a tremendously large part in chess.

The club also had a great run in the Torbay Chess League winning the Torbay Knockout and Division B titles and runners up in Division A.

It is now hoped come September the start of a new season may bring a return to normal of Club nights at the Regal Club, on Thursday evenings being regular once again.

Anyone wanting further information about the chess club please check out southhamschessclub.com or ring Clifford Peach 01752 407757 or Phil McConnell 01803 834135.