Ealing Juniors A, unfortunately, only had four players available, so we started with a two point advantage in our match in Division 1 of the Thames Valley League. However, all four games were exciting and evenly contested. Boards 1 and 3 saw sharp tactical encounters, with Gavin beating a higher rated young opponent on top board, while Bertie went down in flames to keep Ealing Juniors in the match. In the quietest game of the evening, Maks provided the winning point, with his outside passed a-pawn running through to promotion in the pawn ending. That left Mike’s game, which was always going to be decided on the clock. A nail-biting time scramble ended when Alfie delivered a perpetual check to leave the score 4½:1½.
- Gavin Wall (2284) 1:0 Rajat Makkar (2308)
- Mike Healey (2267) ½:½ Alfie Onslow (2255)
- Bertie Barlow (2006) 0:1 Xavier Cowan (1900)
- Maks Gajowniczek (1750) 1:0 Jitender Makkar (-)
- Walk Over 1:0 Default
- Walk Over 1:0 Default
Congratulations to Gavin and Maks, thanks to all who played and apologies to those who didn’t get a game.
Our next match is at home to the mighty Hammers on 5 April, and our season concludes with two matches against Surbiton which will probably decide second place in the league. We’ll need strong teams for all these matches so do try to keep the dates free.
In this week’s other match, in Division X of the Thames Valley League, Richmond E shared the spoils with Staines (not sure why the league website calls them Staines B as they’re the only Staines team this season).
- Paul Seymour (1703) ½:½ Barry Sutton (1600)
- Ye Kyaw (-) 1:0 Richard Sleep (1615)
- Steve Payne (-) ½:½ George Dokic (1338)
- Martin Conlon (1045) 0:1 Dan Donohoe (1533)