2016-17 Season

Unfortunately, Horsham 5 only fielded 3 players against Hastings & St Leonards 4 on Tuesday. We were caught out by an ineligibility that had been overlooked - not something that was expected to catch us out this early in the season, but between agreeing to play and the actual event Roger notched up a 4th match for higher teams. The other default was an unexplained no-show. I succumbed quite quickly on board 1, putting the match beyond contention, but Richard Barrowclough and Peter Helliwell both drew, ensuring at least some honour for the team.

A tough Friday night for the 2nd team who travelled down to Eastbourne - four of the five games went the full session but it was worthwhile as we gained a 3-2 win, thanks in part to a little bit of good fortune.
The team was strengthened by the appearance of Dix on Board 1 and he played strongly against Rasa and held a slight advantage throughout the game but did not have quite enough to convert the endgame into a win. Paul had been the first to finish accepting his opponent’s offer of a draw in a level position that resulted from the exchange variation of the French.

Four Crowborough juniors travelled to Horsham to kickstart our campaign in the MSL's new rapidplay league and an exciting match ensued...

A pleasant evening at The Args ended with victory for Horsham, but by a narrower margin than the score suggests...

The 2nd team had a disappointing Division 1 match away at Haywards Heath, eventually losing 4-1. Despite being heavily out-graded on the top two boards both Phil & Peter had very close matches - their opponents only gaining advantages towards the very end of the playing session.

Following Horsham 5's overturning of Horsham 4 last week, the first team managed to avoid the banana skin and eased past the second team last night...

Horsham 4 were humbled last night in the opening MSL match of the season against Horsham 5. The match had been brought forward by one week to assist Horsham 4 with player availability!

First blood went to a joyful Oliver, defeating the 4th team captain. I managed to make it 2 up for the 5th team with a victory over John Marshall. Mick Harris restored some standing for the 4th team, but with Richard B beating Richard M, the victory was assured. Finally, with only personal honour at stake, Nick managed to make the bottom line look not too bad for the "stronger" team.

Matthew and Lucy are well north of the Arctic Circle as part of an SJC team preparing to take on junior teams from Paris and Russia...

Tuesday 18 October is the first match for Horsham teams.

Horsham 2 host Horsham 1 and Horsham 4 host Horsham 5...best of luck to all teams!

Horsham 3 have to wait until 25 October to host Eastbourne 1.

It was great to meet up with everyone again last night! I will be updating the minutes in due course but we have some special treats ahead...watch this space.