Horsham Chess Club

Horsham’s Mid Sussex League season kicked off on Tuesday night with the much awaited 2nd team versus 3rd team clash in Division 2. Both teams fielded strong sides and it was always going to be a close, tense affair. The 2nd team out-graded the 3rd team by an average of 12 points and being the away team had the benefit of three whites, but it was clear that each individual match would be closely fought!

The Southern Counties Chess Union recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. There was an amazing celebration of chess with a match of North of the river vs South of the river. An impressive 135 players took part in this historic occasion.Our own Julie Denning opened the proceedings as President of the SCCU and a full report can be found at:
https://sccu-chess.com/index.php/en/

There was some very interesting and combative chess in play last night and some old faces. Dave Britton popped in to confirm that he will be playing again this season despite a busy workload and children keeping him busy. He also brought the news that Gary Whitmore has moved up to Barnsley for work reasons. We will miss Gary's wit and wish him well up North.

Following the Quickplay last week,last night serious chess returned to the club with the first round of the Knockout.

Some of the winners included Chris Heath, Mick Harris , James Mansson, Richard Moorhouse and Ian Comley. Some of the greatest upsets came in the form of draws.

Lucy Bennet-Stevens held Anthony Higgs to a draw despite a 26 grade difference. On a neighbouring board Julie Denning drew with Paul Taylor overcoming an even more impressive 33 points!

A great start to the season for the ladies particularly as the all play alls begin next week.

Last night I presented trophies and shields to the winners in last season's junior competition...

Horsham Junior Chess Club will return the week after the AGM on Tuesday 12th September at the usual time of 6:25pm. We will be presenting the trophy and shields from last year so hope to see you there!

Just a few days to the AGM on Tuesday ... I can hardly wait!

The summer is nearly over! Our new season begins with the AGM on Tuesday 5 September...see you there.

The Weald Congress took place last weekend and is an excellent event which I would recommend to more Horsham players.

Gavin Lock was playing in the Open tournament which was won by Richard Bates (231) and Nick Pert (250). Gavin scored a very creditable 3.5/5 and came fifth.

Lucy Bennet-Stevens won the Anne Gammans cup in the Major for the best female Under 18 performance with a score of 2.5/5. I'm afraid I took a point off her in our encounter as I started well with 3/3 but couldnt play in the final day - there is always next year!

A glance at the website revealed I hadn't posted a report for the final match of the season vs Worthing 2 which confirmed Horsham 1 in second place in Div 1. So here is the scorecard and a puzzle...